Pune: Maharashtra’s newly appointed teachers, recruited through the Pavitra Portal, are scheduled for a mandatory induction training program from November 4 to 10.

Organized by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), this training falls during the Diwali holiday season, prompting many teachers to express discontent.

They are requesting that SCERT consider rescheduling the program to allow them to enjoy Diwali, particularly as this is their first festival post-recruitment.

The recruitment drive, after years of delays, resulted in over 17,000 new appointments across Maharashtra.

The SCERT has arranged for a seven-day (50-hour) training session on common topics for both primary (Grades 1-8) and secondary (Grades 9-12) teachers, with a separate focus day for specialized topics.

Attendance is compulsory for this district-level, in-person training session, required for all newly appointed teachers in government, semi-government, and local body schools.

The responsibility for ensuring that all new teachers complete this training rests with principals of district education and training institutions, alongside primary and secondary education officers.

SCERT has been conducting preparatory meetings with education officers to finalize the logistics and curriculum.

However, some newly appointed teachers are calling for a reschedule, as the training overlaps with other responsibilities and Diwali festivities.

One teacher expressed the sentiment shared by many, saying, "This is our first Diwali after joining, and we have other duties like election training and TET exams. We’re requesting that this training be postponed so we can celebrate Diwali with our families."