Beed Protest Targets School Closures, Teacher Shortage

A protest was held outside the Collector’s Office in Beed on Monday, led by social activist Dr Ganesh Dhawale, against the state government’s decision to shut schools with low student enrolment. The protesters alleged that 65 schools in Beed district have only one teacher despite two teaching posts being sanctioned, which is adversely affecting students’ education.

The protesters demanded the appointment of additional teachers and sanctioning of teaching posts based on student strength. They also submitted a memorandum containing various demands to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Beed Guardian Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, and School Education Minister Dada Bhuse.

According to the protesters, the number of single-teacher schools in Maharashtra has crossed 9,000, increasing by 1,144 during 2025-26. They claimed that 65 schools in Beed have two sanctioned teaching posts but only one teacher in service. A single teacher is often required to handle Classes 1 to 4, while administrative duties or other official assignments can leave the school without a teacher.

The protesters raised concerns over the alleged closure and merger of schools with low enrolment, claiming that the policy could adversely affect access to education for children from rural and economically weaker sections. They also expressed concern over the growing privatisation of education and its impact on disadvantaged students.

The protesters demanded that the government withdraw its decision to close low-enrolment schools, appoint additional teachers in single-teacher schools, sanction teaching posts according to student strength, relax conditions related to Aadhaar verification, and ensure that rural students’ right to education is protected.

The protest was attended by several prominent figures, including Shaikh Yunus, Mubeen Shaikh, Ashok Yede, and Dr Sanjay Tandale. The protesters claimed that 18,727 schools across India had closed after the implementation of the National Education Policy, including 850 government schools in Maharashtra.

The situation is particularly affecting students in rural areas, where access to education is already limited. The protesters argued that the closure of low-enrolment schools would disproportionately affect children in rural areas.

The state government’s decision to shut schools with low student enrolment has been met with widespread criticism from educators and activists. The protesters in Beed are demanding that the government reconsider its decision and prioritize the education of rural students.

In conclusion, the protest in Beed highlights the concerns over the shortage of teachers in government schools and the impact of school closures on rural students. The state government must take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that all students have access to quality education.

The issue of school closures and teacher shortage is a complex one, and it requires a comprehensive solution. The government must work with educators, activists, and local communities to find a solution that prioritizes the education of rural students.

The protest in Beed is a reminder that education is a fundamental right, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that all students have access to quality education. The government must take immediate action to address the concerns of the protesters and prioritize the education of rural students.

The future of rural education in Maharashtra depends on the government’s response to the concerns of the protesters. The government must work to address the shortage of teachers in government schools and ensure that all students have access to quality education.

In the end, the protest in Beed is a call to action for the state government to prioritize the education of rural students. The government must take immediate action to address the concerns of the protesters and ensure that all students have access to quality education.