142 Guest Teachers In Delhi Face Termination Over Census Duty Refusal

A total of 142 guest teachers in Delhi are facing possible termination after allegedly refusing to carry out census enumeration duty , prompting a sharp exchange between administrative authorities and teachers’ representatives over the issue.

According to an official communication from the District Magistrate of Old Delhi , the teachers declined to participate in the assigned statutory census work , despite prior instructions issued on April 16. Terming the act as “gross negligence, dereliction of duty, and indiscipline,” the magistrate has recommended that their services be discontinued or terminated with immediate effect.

The letter further noted that such refusal could disrupt the ongoing census exercise and negatively impact discipline among other employees engaged in similar duties. The district administration also attached a list of the concerned teachers and urged strict action, stating that public-interest work such as the census cannot be avoided.

However, the teachers have contested the allegations, stating that they have not yet received any formal termination orders. They argue that their refusal was not an act of defiance but arose from practical and financial difficulties associated with the assignment.

The Government Teachers Association (GTA) has strongly opposed the proposed action, urging the education department to withdraw the termination move. In its representation, the association highlighted that guest teachers are working under temporary annual contracts , which are due to expire soon.

The association also pointed out that there has been no revision in remuneration for nearly eight years , making it difficult for teachers to manage basic expenses such as travel and daily needs. It demanded that census duty should either be accompanied by additional honorarium or that teachers should not be penalised for refusing under such conditions.

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said the matter would be examined and assured that special cases would be considered sympathetically , while reiterating that census work is a national responsibility .

The issue has now raised wider concerns over the working conditions of guest teachers and the implementation of mandatory government assignments through contractual staff.