Haryana Guest Teachers Reject New Rules and Launch Protest
The resentment among guest teachers in Haryana has boiled over as thousands of educators gathered outside Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda's residence in Panipat on Wednesday. The protesting teachers are fiercely demanding permanent jobs, categorically rejecting the newly formulated service rules issued by the state government.
The controversy intensified after the state administration notified the Haryana Guest Services Rules, 2026. While the government claims these rules offer structural stability, the teachers argue that the provisions fall far short of their core demand for job regularization in compliance with previous judicial verdicts.
Key Provisions of the 2026 Service Rules
The newly announced rules outline a retirement age of 58 for guest teachers, along with a provision of 730 days of unremunerated Child Care Leave (CCL) for female and single male teachers throughout their service tenure. Additionally, male teachers are entitled to a 15-day paternity leave under specific conditions. However, the rules also incorporate strict disciplinary measures, subjecting guest teachers to penalties similar to those applicable to regular government staff.
Despite these inclusions, the teachers' associations have expressed deep dissatisfaction, pointing out that the notification completely bypasses any mention of regular service status, improved pay scales, or medical benefits.
Unwavering Demand for Permanent Status
Association leaders emphasized that their core struggle is not about these secondary service adjustments but about their fundamental right to be regularized as per court directives. With protests continuing across multiple districts, the pressure on the state administration is mounting as educators vow to continue their agitation until their demands are fully met.
