Education Reform – Delhi Raises Salaries for Vocational and SSA Teachers

Education Reform – The Delhi government has approved a significant increase in salaries for vocational teachers and educators working under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, aiming to strengthen school education and support children returning to classrooms. The decision was cleared during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday.

Salary Revision for Vocational Teachers

Under the revised structure, nearly 1,131 vocational teachers employed across Delhi schools will now receive a monthly salary of Rs 38,100. Earlier, their salaries ranged between Rs 20,000 and Rs 23,000. These teachers provide practical and skill-oriented education in different subjects aimed at improving students’ employability and career readiness.

Officials said the increase is expected to improve financial stability for teachers and encourage better participation in vocational learning programmes across government schools.

Relief for Teachers at Special Training Centres

The Cabinet decision also includes teachers working at 784 Special Training Centres operating under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. These centres focus on helping children who have either dropped out of school or never enrolled in formal education return to the mainstream education system.

Teachers at these centres will now receive Rs 35,420 per month instead of the earlier Rs 21,000. According to the government, the revised salaries place them at the same level as primary and upper primary school teachers in Delhi.

Government Focus on Inclusive Education

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the move was more than a financial revision and reflected the administration’s recognition of teachers working in difficult conditions to reconnect children with education.

She stated that teachers are central to the government’s efforts to ensure no child remains outside the school system. The administration also believes that improved salaries will increase motivation among educators and contribute to better learning outcomes in classrooms and training centres.

Strengthening Out-of-School Learning Programmes

The Delhi government has also stressed the importance of improving the functioning of Special Training Centres through regular supervision, stronger coordination, and counselling sessions for parents. Officials said the objective is not only to increase enrolment but also to encourage long-term learning and educational continuity for vulnerable children.

The centres are considered crucial for children who have missed formal schooling due to social, financial, or personal challenges. Teachers working in these programmes often handle students requiring additional academic support and guidance before re-entering regular schools.

Teachers and Associations Welcome the Move

Educators associated with out-of-school learning initiatives described the decision as a long-awaited step towards improving teacher welfare under the Samagra Shiksha framework. Several teachers said the salary revision acknowledges their contribution to supporting disadvantaged children and improving educational access in the capital.

The Government School Teachers Association also welcomed the announcement. Association General Secretary Ajayveer Yadav urged the Delhi government to additionally resolve pending reimbursement issues related to tablets distributed among teachers in government schools.

The latest decision is being viewed as part of Delhi’s broader push to strengthen public education, improve teacher support systems, and reduce the number of children outside the formal schooling network.