Teacher associations urge government to remove discrepancies in new service rules

Recognised teacher associations of Andhra Pradesh have requested the state's school education department to review and rectify alleged discrepancies, errors, and inconsistencies in the newly announced service rules. According to a report by The Hindu, these associations claim that certain provisions of the new rules could negatively affect the seniority, service conditions, and promotion prospects of teachers.

A representation has been submitted to Tamim Ansariyah, the Commissioner and Director of School Education, by the Forum of Recognised Teacher Associations of Andhra Pradesh (FRTAAP). In the representation, they have demanded the formation of a committee comprising representatives of recognised teacher associations, departmental officials, and legal experts. This committee could examine the new rules and suggest necessary amendments.

The teacher associations stated that they had repeatedly requested the government to formulate comprehensive and uniform service rules for government and Panchayat Raj teachers in reference to the Presidential Order, 2025. However, they allege that recent government orders were issued without sufficient consideration of their representations.

The associations expressed significant concern regarding the Andhra Pradesh Educational Service Rules, 2026. According to association leaders, all categories of Gazetted Headmasters have not been comprehensively covered in the new rules. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity in the classification of certain posts and their appointment methods, including appointments through promotion and transfer.

The associations further pointed out that the relationship between the old service rules of 1998, the 2017 rules, and the currently proposed provisions has not been clarified, which could lead to confusion regarding their implementation and continuity. They have also sought clarification on the separate service rules issued for government and Zilla Parishad Gazetted Headmasters under G.O. Number 41 and 42 on November 3, 2026.

They raised questions against the classification of Gazetted Headmasters, Mandal Education Officers (MEOs), and DIET lecturers into different service categories despite their supervisory, administrative, and academic responsibilities.

A serious issue was also raised regarding the cadre strength of MEOs. Referring to G.O.MS. Number 156 issued by the Finance Department on November 2, the associations demanded a reconciliation of the sanctioned cadre and the number of working employees. This order shows 362 employees working against 19 MEO posts, while for MEO-II, 541 employees are working against a cadre strength of 679. They have sought clarification on the status of the current 666 MEO posts and subsequent restructuring.

Additionally, the associations have objected to the revised 30:70 ratio for promotion and direct recruitment for the post of School Assistant (Languages). They have demanded the restoration of the previously proposed 70:30 ratio in favour of eligible secondary grade teachers. Association leaders have requested the department to protect the promotion opportunities of current teachers and provide comprehensive clarification after consulting with recognised associations.