Maharashtra educators protest new teacher-student ratio policy

Educators in Maharashtra are protesting a new teacher-student ratio policy that they believe harms rural schools. The Maharashtra State Primary Teachers' Association plans to demonstrate at district collector offices on March 17, citing concerns over potential job losses and the impact on local governance. The policy states that schools with fewer than 20 students in grades VI to VIII will not receive teachers. Teachers argue this could lead to the cancellation of over 20,000 teaching positions and make it harder for students, especially girls, to access education. Despite multiple appeals to the government, no changes have been made. The teachers' association is moving forward with their planned protests, emphasizing the need to protect Marathi schools and the education of underprivileged students.