Andhra teachers’ associations point to anomalies in the new service rules

Recognized teachers’ associations in Andhra Pradesh have urged the education ministry to review and rectify alleged irregularities, omissions and irregularities in the newly issued teachers’ service rules, saying some provisions could adversely affect the seniority, service conditions and promotion prospects of teachers.

In a statement submitted to Commissioner and Director of School Education Tameem Ansaria, the Forum of Recognized Teachers’ Associations of Andhra Pradesh (FRTAAP) sought the formation of a committee comprising representatives of recognized teachers’ associations, departmental officials and legal experts to examine the new rules and suggest necessary changes.

The associations said they have repeatedly requested the government to frame comprehensive and uniform service rules for government and Panchayat Raj teachers following the Presidential Order 2025. However, they alleged that the recent government orders were issued without due consideration of their representation.

One of their main concerns is with the Andhra Pradesh Education Service Rules 2026. Association officials said the new rules do not comprehensively cover all categories of principals registered in the Official Gazette and lack clarity in 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 was not clearly explained, which could lead to confusion about their applicability and continuity.

The associations sought clarification on the separate service rules issued for Government and Zilla Parishad Gazetted Headmasters under GO No. 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 duties.

Another big problem concerns the personnel strength of markets in a market economy. With reference to GO Ms. No. 156 issued by the Finance Department on November 2, the associations sought to harmonize approved, cadre and manpower. They pointed out that the order listed 19 MEO posts against a manpower of 362, while MEO-II had a cadre of 679 against 541 working staff. They wanted to be clear about the status of the existing 666 jobs for a market-based economic entity and the subsequent restructuring.

The associations also protested against the revised ratio of 30:70 for promotion and direct recruitment to the posts of school assistants (languages) and sought to restore the earlier proposed ratio of 70:30 in favor of eligible secondary teachers.

The leaders urged the department to protect the existing methods of teacher promotion and issue a comprehensive explanation after consulting recognized associations.

Published – November 10, 2026 1:48 PM IST