Though the last day of the academic session falls on a Sunday this year, teachers must report to schools and sign musters if they wish to draw salary for the month
Though the last day of the academic session falls on a Sunday this year, teachersu00a0 must report to schools and sign musters if they wish to draw salary for the month
Teachers in schools across the city, who enjoy their leisurely Sundays as much as the students they teach, faced a rude shock recently. In an unhappy coincidence, May 1, which is the last day of the academic session, falls on a Sunday this year. To make matters worse for them, it is Maharashtra Day. Since it is compulsory for teachers to sign the attendance muster on the final day each year, teachers have to haul themselves to their workplace if they wish to draw their salaries.
Sunday, not fun day?
According to the government rule, teachers have to be present at school on the last day of the academic session each year, as well as the first day of the new academic session. This year, the two dates are May 1 and June 1 respectively. In order to be able to draw salaries for the months of May and June, teachers must attend school on both the days. While the city school principals have decreed that it is imperative for teachers to attend school on both these days, teachers are unhappy with the verdict.
A principal of a south Mumbai school said, on condition of anonymity, "If a teacher does not attend school on the last day of the current academic session (May 1), she will not be allowed to quietly record her attendance on the first day of the next academic session (June 1). It will be assumed that he or she took leave, and her salary will be forfeited. Moreover, it is a day of great historical importance. We will only make considerations if the teacher is on leave from before."
Another teacher, Uday Nare, of Hansraj Morarji Public School, Andheri, said, "Since this time May 1 falls on a Sunday, teachers are unwilling to report to school. But they have no choice. It is compulsory to sign the attendance muster on this day, as it is Maharashtra day. If teachers miss the first or last day of the academic session, they are usually forfeited a month's salary."
The Other Side
Abasaheb Jadhav, BMC education officer, said, "It is not that that the teachers can come on either of these two days and mark their attendance to claim their salary. It is imperative for them to attend school on both days, if they wish to be paid the salary for the months of June and May. Even though it is a Sunday, the schools will remain open for teachers to mark their attendance."
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