Govt warning to teachers running pvt coachings

Kolkata: The state school education department on Thursday reiterated that in-service teachers are not permitted to engage in private coaching and warned of action against violators.The order, issued with reference to Section 28 of the RTE Act, 2009, and a Calcutta High Court order, said the department had received complaints against some school teachers for exploiting students by threatening to affect their academic marks and depriving legitimate private tutors of their livelihood.Referring to a memo dated Feb 14, 2011, the department reminded teachers that they are barred from conducting private tuition for personal gain. However, the order clarified that remedial coaching organised by educational institutions would be exempt from the restriction.Swapan Mandal, general secretary of the Bengal Teachers and Employees' Association, said, "Despite repeated reminders from the department, a section of school teachers continue this practice. We are gathering information, and soon this will be handed over to the education department. Let's see whether any action is taken this time."