As per the directions, SSA teachers will not be allowed to pursue higher studies while in service.

While the order does not state if studying through correspondence is also banned, the move does not appear to have gone down well with the concerned teachers.

A circular, dated September 19, 2008, and addressed to the heads of schools, states: “It has been observed that teachers working under the SSA have been submitting requests for granting them permission to pursue higher studies. It is brought to your notice that no permission can be granted as per terms and conditions mentioned in the contract.”

Sources, however, claim that the contract agreement does not state any such condition and mentions only the number of leaves that an SSA teacher is entitled to take.

SSA teachers, meanwhile, believe they are being harassed unnecessarily. “The department is meting out step-motherly treatment to us. It is our right to study further and the department is denying us the same,” said an SSA teacher, requesting anonymity.

Another SSA teacher, Mukesh Kumar, added: “The department’s decision is against the spirit of teaching. How does the department expect us to further our knowledge when we will be denied the right to study? There are so many teachers who wish to do a doctorate but the department does not appear to understand.”

Justifying the step, Director Public Instructions (Schools), Samwartak Singh, maintained the department has taken the decision because teachers apparently “proceed on leave and ignore classes while pursuing academics” which consequently affects the performance of students in class.