Delhi Govt sacks 142 guest teachers for missing Census duty; GSTA asks Ashish Sood to 'reconsider'

The Government Schools Teachers’ Association (GSTA) has asked the Delhi government to reconsider its decision to remove 142 guest teachers over their alleged failure to take up census duty, calling the move unfair and unnecessarily harsh.

In a letter to Education Minister Ashish Sood, the association said the recommendation for termination, issued by the District Magistrate (Old Delhi) on April 24, does not reflect the realities faced by guest teachers on the ground.

GSTA pointed out that these teachers are already on short-term annual contracts, which are due to end on May 8, 2026. Taking strict action just days before their contracts expire, the association argued, serves little purpose and goes against basic administrative fairness.

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The letter also sheds light on the broader challenges guest teachers deal with. It notes that their daily wages have not increased in nearly eight years, making it difficult to manage basic expenses. According to the association, the low pay and lack of proper support made it hard for many teachers to take up additional duties like the census work.

Importantly, GSTA stressed that the teachers’ absence from census duty should not be seen as misconduct. Instead, it described the situation as a result of genuine difficulties rather than intentional refusal.

The association has urged the government to immediately withdraw the proposed terminations, allow the teachers to continue their contracts without disruption during the summer break, and ensure timely payment of salaries. It has also requested that guest teachers be given extra compensation for census duty, similar to what regular teachers receive.

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Guest teachers are already working under uncertain conditions. Actions like these only add to their stress and financial insecurity.

The matter has also been shared with officials in the education and census departments in New Delhi. The Delhi government has not yet responded to the appeal.