Delhi Schools: Teachers’ union ask government reschedule mid-term exams due to Haryana elections

NEW DELHI: The Loktantrik Adhyapak Manch, a teachers' union in Delhi, has sent an urgent reminder to the directorate of education, requesting the postponement of the mid-term examinations scheduled for October 5, 2024. In a letter addressed to the director of education, the union highlighted the challenges due to Haryana General Elections, which coincide with the exam date, as many teachers are expected to be absent for voting.

The letter, signed by Krishan Kumar Phogat, president of Loktantrik Adhyapak Manch, and Hoshiar Singh, general secretary, calls for the rescheduling of exams for Classes 3 to 9. The union’s primary concern is the expected absence of a large number of teachers from border areas who will be casting their votes in the Haryana General Elections. With the voting day approaching, the union fears that the absence of these teachers would disrupt the smooth conduct of the exams.

Violation of the representation of people's act

The letter also raises a legal issue, citing the Representation of the People's Act. According to the union, denying teachers the special casual leave needed to vote would be a violation of their rights, as enshrined in the Act. ‘If teachers are not allowed to cast their vote due to non-sanctioning of special casual leave for the very purpose, it would be a violation of the representation of people's act by the department,’ the letter states.

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Postponement of exams to October 16 or later

The union has proposed postponing the mid-term exams to October 16 or later, allowing teachers to fulfill their civic duties of casting their vote without disrupting the examination schedule.

Union calls for immediate action from education authorities

The Loktantrik Adhyapak Manch has requested immediate action on this matter, urging the education authorities to consider the issue's significance and take steps to avoid any inconvenience for both students and teachers. A copy of the letter has also been forwarded to the Principal Secretary of Education, Delhi.

“We urge you to consider our request to postpone the exam to October 16 or later and allow thousands of teachers to cast their vote. We request immediate action to address this concern and find a suitable solution,” the letter read.