The Allahabad High Court has issued a significant directive to the Government of Uttar Pradesh regarding teacher attendance in rural primary and junior schools. While hearing the matter on October 30, 2025, the bench emphasised the urgent need for a “solid policy” to ensure teachers are physically present when expected and that attendance is recorded electronically.
Court Highlights Teacher Absenteeism and Right to Education Violation
The Court noted that persistent teacher absence has undermined the constitutional right to education, particularly in rural areas where children attend government schools. It pointed out that despite earlier directives given on October 16, 2025, no effective ground-level mechanism has been established. During the hearing, the State’s Standing Counsel informed the bench that meetings are underway under the Chief Secretary to address the issue. The Court insisted that given technological advances, attendance must now be captured “through virtual/electronic mode” at the time fixed under the rules.
Digital Attendance Required and Time-bound Presence Mandated
The Court laid down clear expectations regarding time of attendance and policy for teacher presence. A short paragraph before the table summarises the main points.
The Court further noted that biometric or CCTV systems may be impractical in rural contexts, and therefore stressed the need for a simple yet effective digital recording mechanism.
Implications for the Uttar Pradesh Education System
This order signals a major shift toward accountability in rural education in Uttar Pradesh. Schools and district administrations must now deploy digital attendance systems and monitor teacher presence more rigorously. The directive also underscores the link between teacher presence and the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 along with Articles 14, 21 and 21A of the Indian Constitution.
