Sharad Pawar Supports Teachers' Protest, Criticizes Government Inaction
The ongoing struggle for teachers' rights in Maharashtra has gathered renewed momentum as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) President Sharad Pawar extended his full support to the protesting educators at Azad Maidan, Mumbai. Strongly criticizing the state government's prolonged inaction, Pawar called the situation a national disgrace.
The protest, which began in Kolhapur on August 1, 2024, has now spread across the state. Thousands of teachers from unaided and partially aided schools have gathered in Mumbai, demanding implementation of the increased grant-in-aid phase promised by the state government last year.
In the run-up to the 2024 Assembly elections, the Maharashtra government had announced on October 10 its intention to expand financial grants to such schools. However, despite issuing a Government Resolution (GR) on October 14, 2024, no financial provision has been made in the past 10–11 months. This failure to act has escalated the agitation.
Speaking at the protest site, Pawar said, "If teachers — who have shaped generations in Maharashtra — are forced to take to the streets, it is not just a matter of shame for the state, but for the entire country." He urged the government to address the issue without delay, warning that a society where teachers are compelled to protest reflects poorly on its leadership.
“This is a government failure. A time should never come when our teachers have to stand in rain and mud for their rights. Teachers are not mere employees — they are nation-builders. They deserve dignity, and the government must immediately allocate funds and meet their demands,” he asserted.
Pawar also recalled the teachers’ and government employees' movement of 1980–81, stating that the then-state government had responded promptly by implementing a wage hike policy aligned with the central government. “Why is this government so hesitant today?” he questioned.
The NCP has openly thrown its weight behind the movement. Party leaders like Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule have already joined the protest. Rohit Pawar has been camping at Azad Maidan since last night, offering continued support to the teachers.
This protest is not solely focused on salary hikes; it underscores the broader need for systemic reform in the education sector. Teachers are demanding implementation of promised financial assistance to ensure the basic functioning of unaided and partially aided schools.
Teacher unions have also made their stance clear: they will not back down until their demands are fulfilled. Educators from every corner of the state — from Gadchiroli to Konkan, Vidarbha to Marathwada — have rallied in solidarity at Azad Maidan, making this one of the most unified protests in recent times.
With growing public support and rising political pressure, all eyes are now on the state government’s next move.
The education sector in the state is currently in turmoil. On the one hand, there is a shortage of teachers in schools, on the other hand, it is difficult to run schools due to financial constraints, and on the other hand, the government's indifference has put the quality of education at risk. If the government does not take timely steps, this crisis can be serious for the future of students.
Pawar assured the attendees, "Now this issue has gone to the Vidhan Bhavan. We will put firm pressure on the government for this and will not sit still until you get justice." His words created a new spirit among the teachers.
The teachers' agitation has now taken a decisive turn. If the government does not take immediate action, it is certain that this agitation will not be limited to the education sector alone, but will turn into a social unrest.
This struggle is not just about the salary of teachers but also about the dignity of the education sector and the interests of future students. The government should take immediate steps without wasting time, otherwise this movement will be known as a struggle for existence in Maharashtra, not for education.