The long-running debate over assigning election-related duties to school teachers has resurfaced in Maharashtra. The state’s education minister, Dadaji Bhuse, has urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to exempt teachers from Booth Level Officer (BLO) and other election work. The minister’s appeal reflects growing concern within the education department about teachers being pulled away from classrooms for non-academic responsibilities.
I am writing about this issue because it directly affects both teachers and students. Over the years, teachers have repeatedly said that election duties disrupt teaching schedules, add stress, and reduce time for lesson planning and student support. When senior leaders raise this concern at the government level, it signals that the problem has reached a point where policy-level intervention is needed.
What the Education Minister Has Said
According to the education department, Dadaji Bhuse has formally communicated his request to the chief minister, stating that election-related work should not be assigned to teachers. He has argued that teachers are primarily responsible for academic instruction and student development, and repeated deployment for BLO duties affects learning outcomes in schools.
The minister’s position is clear: while elections are important, schools should not bear the cost of administrative staffing shortages.
Why Teachers Are Opposing BLO Duty
Teachers across Maharashtra have long raised objections to being assigned election duties, especially as Booth Level Officers. Their main concerns include:
- Loss of teaching hours during the academic year
- Increased administrative pressure alongside classroom work
- Travel and fieldwork responsibilities unrelated to education
- Stress and accountability for election-related errors
Many teachers say that these duties often extend beyond school hours and continue for months during election cycles.
Impact on Schools and Students
When teachers are assigned election work, schools are forced to manage with fewer staff. This leads to merged classes, delayed syllabus completion, and reduced individual attention for students. In rural and government schools, where staff shortages already exist, the impact is even more visible.
Parents and school heads have also pointed out that frequent diversion of teachers affects exam preparation and overall academic discipline.
Government’s Stand and Possible Outcome
The matter now rests with the Maharashtra Government, which will have to balance administrative needs with educational priorities. While election authorities rely heavily on teachers due to their reach and record-keeping experience, there is growing recognition that this practice may not be sustainable.
If the chief minister accepts the education minister’s request, it could lead to a policy change that limits or completely removes teachers from BLO duties in future elections.
What Teachers’ Groups Are Demanding
Teachers’ associations have welcomed the education minister’s move and are demanding:
- Complete exemption from BLO and election duties
- Clear written guidelines protecting teaching time
- Use of non-teaching staff for election-related work
- Consultation with educators before assigning additional responsibilities
They believe this step would restore focus on classroom teaching.
