Will Schools Remain Closed On July 8 And 9 In Maharashtra? Education Department Issues Clarification
Pune Schools and Colleges in Lashkar Police Jurisdiction to Remain Closed on September 8
MUMBAI: Amid reports of a statewide strike by thousands of teachers and non-teaching staff on July 8 and 9, confusion arose among parents and students regarding school closures on these dates. The Maharashtra Education Department has now issued a clear directive stating that schools will remain open on both days.
Earlier, the Teachers’ Coordination Committee had announced a plan to shut schools across the state in support of their pending demands related to grants and benefits. However, Director of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Mahesh Palekar, clarified in an official order that schools will function as usual on Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 9.
Teachers’ Protest at Azad Maidan
While schools will not be shut, thousands of teachers from various schools across Maharashtra are expected to gather at Azad Maidan in Mumbai to stage a protest during the monsoon session of the state assembly. The protest aims to draw the government’s attention to unfulfilled promises regarding financial aid to aided schools.
Last year, teachers and non-teaching staff held a 75-day statewide agitation from August 1, 2024, demanding increased funding for aided schools. Though the government initially responded positively, the official Government Resolution (GR) issued on October 14, 2024, failed to deliver the promised funds, leading to widespread discontent.
In a cabinet meeting on October 10, 2024, chaired by the then Chief Minister, the government had assured teachers that the next tranche of grants would be released. However, with no progress even after a year, the teachers’ union has decided to resume its strike to press for their demands.
