The Allahabad High Court has issued a stern directive to the Uttar Pradesh government, highlighting that the widespread absence of teachers from schools is fundamentally undermining the Right to Education (RTE) Act. The court has given the state a three-month deadline to formulate and implement a concrete policy to ensure teachers are present and performing their duties.
Court's Strong Stance on a Systemic Failure
In a significant ruling, the bench expressed deep frustration over a critical flaw in the education system. The court observed that the very purpose of the landmark Right to Education Act is being defeated due to the non-availability of teachers in classrooms. This absence, the judges noted, renders the legislative guarantee of free and compulsory education meaningless for countless children across the state.
A Three-Month Deadline for Policy Framework
The court's order is specific and time-bound. It has directed the state government to frame a comprehensive policy within three months to tackle this issue head-on. The anticipated policy must establish clear mechanisms and accountability standards to guarantee that teachers are physically present in schools and actively engaged in teaching. The directive, issued on 19 December 2025, places the onus squarely on the administration to rectify a problem that has persisted for years.
Broader Implications for Education in Uttar Pradesh
This judicial intervention underscores a major governance challenge in the public education sector. Chronic teacher absenteeism not only violates the fundamental right to education but also perpetuates inequality, disproportionately affecting students in government schools. The High Court's move is seen as a push for administrative accountability, compelling the state to move beyond mere enrollment numbers and focus on the quality and regularity of instruction. The success of the policy mandated by the court will be crucial for the future of school education in Uttar Pradesh and the effective realization of the RTE Act's promises.
