Madhya Pradesh Relaxes Strict E-Attendance Norm for Struggling Guest Teachers

In a significant move bringing much-needed relief, Madhya Pradesh School Education Department has eased the stringent 90% e-attendance requirement for guest teachers who struggled to meet the threshold during the 2025-26 academic session. This decision comes after widespread protests and concerns from educators regarding the practicality of the digital attendance system. The Commissioner of Public Instruction (CPI) has now directed all districts to form special three-member committee, chaired by the District Education Officer (DEO), to review individual cases and address applications seeking exemption. The mandatory 90% e-attendance, introduced from July 1, 2025, aimed to boost accountability and administrative efficiency within the state's education system as part of broader 'Education 3.0 reforms.' However, guest teachers across Madhya Pradesh and other regions faced numerous hurdles, including technical glitches with attendance apps like 'Hamare Shikshak', lack of reliable internet connectivity in remote areas, and not having adequate smartphone access. Many also highlighted the disparity in their working conditions, salary, and benefits compared to permanent staff, arguing that such rigid rules were unfair given their often precarious employment. Guest teachers who couldn't meet the prescribed attendance limit for the past academic year can now submit their exemption requests via email to their respective DEO offices. The newly formed committees will meticulously scrutinize these applications, offering a pathway for teachers whose livelihoods were impacted by the strict policy to potentially regularize their positions. This development signals a responsive approach from the Education Department, acknowledging the ground realities faced by a crucial segment of its teaching workforce.