Higher Secondary Teachers to Boycott Clerical Tasks from September 5: AHSTA

Swift Summary

• The Aided Higher Secondary Teachers’ Association (AHSTA) announced that higher secondary school teachers woudl boycott office and clerical duties from September 5.
• AHSTA expressed concerns over the lack of clerical staff, peons, and librarians in higher secondary schools since their establishment 35 years ago.
• Teachers, Principals, and lab assistants reportedly handle non-academic tasks such as clerical work along with their teaching responsibilities.
• Many teachers teach between 14 and 25 periods a week; Principals also conduct classes alongside administrative tasks.
• The union stated this situation negatively impacts students’ academic preparation for public exams by diverting teachers’ focus away from education to administrative duties.
• Despite appeals to the government for change, no action has been taken, prompting AHSTA’s decision.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The AHSTA’s decision to boycott non-academic work underscores systemic staffing challenges within higher secondary schools. By assigning clerical tasks traditionally handled by dedicated support staff to educators and Principals, institutions face dual inefficiencies: diminished academic focus on students’ preparation for public exams and an unaddressed strain on teacher workloads. This case highlights the potential ramifications of prolonged neglect of staffing norms on educational outcomes. Government engagement is critical not only to ease operational burdens but also ensure resources align with the academic priorities that underpin student success.

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