The state government has imposed a ban on teachers and employees working in provincialized secondary schools from pursuing additional academic qualifications in the field of education.
On Tuesday, Mamata Hojai, the Director of Secondary Education in Assam, instructed the Inspectors of Schools Throughout the state to commence departmental proceedings against both teaching and non-teaching staff in Provincialized Secondary Schools who acquire academic or professional qualifications during their service without obtaining prior permission from the appointing authority.
According to an official notification, the director stated that government employees obtaining academic or professional qualifications during their service period without prior permission from the appointing authority violate Rule 13 of the Assam Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965.
“Hence, the pursuit of any educational or professional qualification by the teaching and non-teaching staff of Provincialized Secondary Schools during their service is evidently a breach of the mentioned rule and may result in punishment as per the provisions of the Assam Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964,” the notification states.
Rule 13 stipulates, “While in government service, no government servant shall enroll or participate in any educational institution to prepare for, or sit for an examination conducted by a recognized board or university without obtaining prior permission from the appointing authority.”
It is noteworthy that despite the assurance given by the State Government that teachers and employees in the Department of Secondary Education will not face any hindrance in pursuing additional qualifications, there is a possibility of a different reaction emerging among the teachers and employees in the state, given the ongoing concerns about the well-being of the teaching community.
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