Updated On: 12 September, 2024 06:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Dipti Singh
Officials say it is time to look beyond language mediums and focus on recruiting teachers based on skills, as Urdu-medium teachers’ associations raise concerns

Mohili Village Urdu school. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi
A new conflict has arisen between the state government and the teachers and management of Urdu-medium schools. As the state government faces mounting criticism for unfilled teacher vacancies, it has accelerated its efforts to fill these positions. However, Urdu-medium teachers’ associations are raising concerns over the appointment of Marathi-medium teachers as English subject teachers in Urdu-medium schools.
Teachers’ associations strongly oppose the move, calling it a misstep. They argue that appointing teachers unfamiliar with Urdu undermines the quality of education in Urdu-medium schools. In response, the government has defended its decision, stating that recruitment should prioritize teachers’ skills and subject specialisation, rather than the medium of instruction in the schools where they are posted.