Chandigarh: The Haryana government on Saturday decided to amend a notification, according to which women teachers were barred from joining duty if they were found to be more than 12 weeks pregnant.
As per the recent notification, before joining the work women were expected to produce fitness certificates. Those found to be more than 12 weeks pregnant were barred from joining duties.
They would not be entitled to their salaries and other perks till the time they rejoin duty after delivery of child.
The state government had maintained that it does not want the students to suffer because of maternity leave taken by teachers.
However, the decision of the government drew much hew and cry, forcing it to amend the notification.
Haryana School Teachers Association alleged discrimination against women, adding that government wants to save salaries during that period.
"The state has taken several steps for the welfare of women. We thought this would be unfair and injustice to the recently recruited teachers, which is why we will bring an amendment soon," Haryana education minister Geeta Bhukkal told PTI.
Bhukkal also said that the state government is initiating steps to effectively implement Right to Education (RTE) Act.
She said that as per rules of RTE, 25 per cent admission would be given to children belonging to below poverty line families in the schools.
The minister warned stringent action against school authorities found flouting the stipulated norms.
PTI
