Principal vs Adhoc: Same work, yet why there is huge difference in rights and facilities Regular vs. Ad-hoc: Same work, yet why is there a world of difference in rights and benefits?

The gap between teachers, who are the backbone of the education system in the country’s higher educational institutions and universities and schools, is not hidden from anyone. On paper, a teacher’s main job may be to teach students and shape their future, but when it comes to administrative rights, leaves, job security and facilities, the difference between a ‘regular principal/teacher’ and an ‘ad-hoc teacher’ appears like a deep gulf. The question arises that when both the teachers work equally hard in the classroom with equal qualifications, then why is there such a huge difference in their rights and respect?

Same qualification, but compulsion of adhoc teachers in the system

The main objective of appointing adhoc teachers in the Indian education system may have been to immediately fill the shortage of faculty in educational institutions, but this system is now becoming a means of permanent exploitation. Just like a permanent principal or a regular professor, these adhoc teachers also come after passing NET, PhD and many other rigorous examinations. They go through the same interview processes, yet they always have to live with the fear and uncertainty of losing the job. They neither have the full benefits of the regular salary structure nor any voice in maternity leave or other administrative decisions.

Huge imbalance of rights: differences from decision-making power to holidays

In the functioning of schools and colleges, while regular principals and permanent staff have full power to sign off on policy decisions, examination committees and financial matters of the institution, ad-hoc teachers remain far away from all this. They are restricted to just taking and teaching their lectures. Apart from this, these temporary teachers also have to face problems like medical leave or salary cuts during summer and winter holidays. This hostility and unequal distribution of rights within the same institution also has a deep mental impact on the educational environment.

When will this discrimination end and what is the solution to this system?

Academics and student organizations have been saying for a long time that unless the adhoc culture is completely ended and regularization of teachers is done, it will be difficult to materialize the claims of quality education. Many times policies are made at the level of government and UGC, but in ground reality even today thousands of teachers are grinding in the mill of the system in the form of adhoc. There is a need to bring a transparent policy so that the teachers who have been serving for years can get their due respect and equal rights.