In a significant move, the education department of Uttarakhand has initiated the process of compulsory retirement for 143 teachers found physically and mentally unfit for service. Among these, the highest number—100 teachers—are from the Dehradun district. Reports from other districts have also highlighted the issue of unfit teachers. According to Director General of Education, Jharna Kamthan, teachers across the state will be screened for physical and mental fitness, and those deemed unfit will be compulsorily retired. The screening for teachers in the Garhwal division is scheduled for October 3, after which the process will be further implemented.
Transfer and Detachment Issues Leading to Teacher Sickness
Sources in the education department have pointed out that many teachers are becoming unfit due to issues related to transfers and detachment from their schools. Some teachers are believed to be using illness as a reason to avoid transfers, which disrupts the learning process for students and hampers the overall education system.
Previous Orders for Compulsory Retirement
This is not the first time such orders have been issued. Similar directives were passed in 2002, but districts had not provided conclusive reports on unfit teachers to the Directorate of Education. Now, under the new Director General, Jharna Kamthan, all districts were instructed on September 26 to submit reports on unfit teachers within three days. The reports have since been received from the districts.
District-wise Breakdown of Unfit Teachers:
- Dehradun: 100 teachers
- Haridwar: 13 teachers
- Chamoli: 08 teachers
- Nainital: 04 teachers
- Bageshwar: 03 teachers
- Rudraprayag: 03 teachers
- Udham Singh Nagar: 01 teacher
- Champawat: 02 teachers
- Pauri: 02 teachers
- Uttarkashi: 02 teachers
- Almora: 02 teachers
- Pithoragarh: 0 teachers
- Tehri: 03 teachers
