Mass transfer of govt teachers: Telangana HC refuses to lift stay, asks tough questions

Hyderabad: Telangana High Court refused to lift the stay on the mass transfer of government school teachers in the state.

A division bench of Chief Justice Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice N. Tukaramji asked tough questions to the government over the issue.

“Why does the state government want to harass the teachers? We have seen government teachers serving in the same school for 30-35 years... till they retire. They are not like any other employee. During their tenure, they develop a rapport with the students. How can the government go ahead with their transfers?” the court asked Additional Advocate General J. Ramchander Rao.

The court was hearing a batch of writ petitions filed by teachers (Head Master / Head Mistress Gr.II Gaz.) School Assistants/ SGTs and other equivalent posts working in various government schools.

Petitioners had challenged the constitutional validity of Telangana Teachers Regulation of Transfer rules, 2023 made through GO.Ms.No.5 dated 25-01-2023.

On March 7, the court stayed their transfers stating that the rules which have been formed were not placed on the floor of the Telangana Legislative Assembly.

J. Ramchander Rao informed the Court that due to the stay orders, the work in the education department has been paralyzed. He said on the request of the teachers working in various government schools, through their unions, the state has affected transfers.

The government counsel sought an early date for adjudication of the batch of writ petitions because the general election is approaching and the teachers' services are essential for performing poll duty.

Chief Justice asked how work in the education department will get paralyzed because of the stay orders.

The matter has been adjourned to July 11 for further arguments.