Education – Delhi Schools Reopen Amid Concerns Over Teachers Assigned Election Duties
Education – As government schools across Delhi resumed classes on July 1 following the summer vacation, concerns have intensified over the large number of teachers assigned to election-related responsibilities, with educators warning that classroom learning could suffer during a crucial phase of the academic year.
The Government School Teachers Association (GSTA) has raised objections to the deployment of thousands of teachers as Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors for the Election Commission’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Instead of returning to regular teaching after the break, many educators have been directed to participate in voter verification activities, leaving schools to cope with a reduced teaching workforce.
Election Revision Schedule Extends for Several Months
Under the Election Commission’s programme, BLOs are required to conduct door-to-door voter verification and field surveys from June 30 to July 29, 2026. The draft electoral roll is scheduled to be released on August 5, after which claims and objections will be accepted until September 4. The final electoral roll is expected to be published on October 3.
According to the teachers’ association, the timeline means that many educators will remain engaged in election work for nearly three and a half months. During this period, schools may have to rely on internal staff adjustments instead of regular classroom instruction, potentially affecting the quality of teaching.
Board Examination Students May Face the Greatest Impact
The association believes that students in Classes 10 and 12 are likely to be the most affected by the prolonged absence of teachers. These months are considered especially important for board examination preparation, with schools typically focusing on completing the syllabus, strengthening core subjects, and beginning revision.
Education representatives argue that consistent classroom teaching during this stage plays a significant role in helping students prepare effectively for their examinations. Any extended disruption, they say, could create academic challenges for both teachers and students.
Teachers’ Association Urges Immediate Government Action
GSTA General Secretary Ajay Veer Yadav has written to Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, requesting urgent intervention to minimise the impact on students. In his communication, he suggested that guest teachers who are currently awaiting appointments should be temporarily engaged to fill vacancies created by teachers assigned to election duties.
The association maintains that appointing substitute teachers would help ensure that classroom instruction continues without major interruptions while allowing election-related work to proceed as scheduled.
Call for Alternative Arrangements in Schools
Along with seeking temporary appointments, the teachers’ body has appealed to the Delhi government to put immediate alternative arrangements in place so that academic activities remain unaffected. It has stressed that the period between July and October is one of the most significant phases of the school calendar, making uninterrupted teaching essential for maintaining learning standards.
The association has urged authorities to strike a practical balance between election responsibilities and educational needs, ensuring that administrative assignments do not come at the cost of students’ academic progress.