Andhra teachers’ associations flag anomalies in new service rules

Recognised teachers’ associations in Andhra Pradesh have urged the School Education Department to review and rectify alleged discrepancies, omissions and inconsistencies in the newly issued teachers’ service rules, stating that certain provisions could adversely affect the seniority, service conditions and promotional prospects of teachers.

In a representation submitted to the Commissioner and Director of School Education Tameem Ansariya, the Forum of Recognised Teacher Associations of Andhra Pradesh (FRTAAP) sought the constitution of a committee comprising representatives of recognised teachers’ associations, departmental officials and legal experts to examine the new rules and suggest necessary amendments.

The associations said they had repeatedly requested the government to frame comprehensive and uniform service rules for Government and Panchayat Raj teachers in the wake of the Presidential Order, 2025. However, they alleged that the recent Government Orders had been issued without adequately considering their representations.

One of their major concerns relates to the Andhra Pradesh Educational Service Rules, 2026. Leaders of the associations said the new rules did not comprehensively cover all categories of Gazetted Headmasters and lacked clarity on the classification of certain posts and their methods of appointment, including promotion and appointment by transfer.

They also pointed out that the relationship between the earlier service rules issued in 1998, the 2017 rules and the newly notified provisions had not been clearly explained, potentially creating confusion over their applicability and continuity.

The associations sought clarification on the separate service rules issued for Government and Zilla Parishad Gazetted Headmasters under G.O. Nos. 41 and 42 dated November 3, 2026. They also questioned the classification of Gazetted Headmasters, Mandal Educational Officers (MEOs) and DIET lecturers into different service categories despite their respective supervisory, administrative and academic responsibilities.

Another major issue concerns the cadre strength of MEOs. Citing G.O. Ms. No.156 issued by the Finance Department on November 2, the associations sought reconciliation of sanctioned, cadre and working strengths. They pointed out that the order showed 19 MEO posts against a working strength of 362, while MEO-II had a cadre strength of 679 against 541 working personnel. They wanted clarity on the status of the existing 666 MEO posts and the subsequent restructuring.

The associations also objected to the revised 30:70 ratio for promotions and direct recruitment to School Assistant (Languages) posts, seeking restoration of the earlier proposed 70:30 ratio in favour of eligible Secondary Grade Teachers.

The leaders urged the department to protect existing teachers’ promotional avenues and issue comprehensive clarifications after consultations with recognised associations.