Teacher MLC Elections : Expanded Scope and Political Activism Following Supreme Court Order – Shrichand Sharma

Teachers from Class 10 to Higher Education (with 3 years’ experience) to become voters, rising political activity among parties

Report: Ravindra Arya

Lucknow/Ghaziabad.

The upcoming Teacher MLC (Member of Legislative Council) elections have drawn attention this time due to new changes and an increasing political dimension. Until now, these elections were considered largely confined to government schools, but the Supreme Court’s order and new guidelines from the Election Commission have broadened their scope significantly.

Now, all teachers from recognized institutions ranging from Class 10 to higher education, with a minimum of three years’ teaching experience, will be eligible to become voters. For this, the Election Commission has issued Form-19 (for Teacher MLC), while Form-18 (for Graduate MLC) was already in effect. Each teacher must apply with valid ID, an experience certificate, and a recognition certificate attested by the principal.

BJP’s Initiative, Candidates in the Fray

BJP’s current Teacher MLC, Shrichand Sharma, has taken the initiative before the Election Commission to strengthen this system. On his efforts, lists of schools are being prepared to ensure that every recognized teacher’s name is included in the voter roll.

• Elections are scheduled on two seats in the Meerut and Saharanpur divisions—
• From the Teacher MLC seat, BJP’s current MLC Shrichand Sharma will contest,
• From the Graduate MLC seat, BJP’s current MLC Dinesh Goyal is in the fray.

Shrichand Sharma is already serving as MLC from the Meerut-Saharanpur teacher constituency and has previously held the position of Chairman, Residential Complaint Inquiry Committee, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.

Growing Political Activity : What was earlier considered a relatively quiet election has now turned politically charged. BJP, along with other major parties, has begun outreach campaigns with teachers. Political observers believe that the large number of new teachers being added to the voter rolls this time, and their voting preferences, could decisively influence the results.

A Bridge Between Democracy and the Education Sector : After the Supreme Court’s order, it is now clear that all recognized teachers from Class 10 up to higher education, with a minimum of three years of experience, will no longer be deprived of their right to elect their representatives.

Experts suggest that this change will not only strengthen the democratic process but also provide a new political identity to the education sector. In the coming times, this election could serve as an important bridge between education and politics.

BJP Gears Up

Teacher Cell’s Active Campaign

The BJP has intensified its preparations for the Teacher MLC elections. According to Braj Bhushan Sharma, district convener of the BJP’s Teacher Cell, a team has been formed in the district through which Form-18 and Form-19 have been distributed in around 125 schools. The process of collecting these forms has now begun.

Sharma said, : “I am working as if it were my own election, personally visiting schools and connecting with teachers at the ground level.”

City President Mayank Goyal stated that under BJP’s leadership, this MLC election will be historic, ensuring the victory of teachers.

 Author – Ravindra Arya

(Analytical journalist and scholar of Indian folk culture)