Maharashtra Schools to Remain Open on July 8 & 9 Despite Statewide Teachers’ Protest: Education Department Issues Clarification

Amid growing speculation and widespread confusion over whether schools across Maharashtra would shut down on July 8 and 9, the state’s Education Department has officially confirmed that all schools will function as usual on both days. The clarification came in response to a proposed strike by thousands of teachers and non-teaching staff demanding long-pending financial grants and benefits. With parents and students anxious about disruptions, this announcement brings much-needed clarity, although the protest will go as planned.

Background: Why the Confusion Arose

The uncertainty stemmed from a recent announcement by the Teachers’ Coordination Committee, a state-level collective of educators and staff from aided schools. The committee had indicated that schools would remain closed across Maharashtra in solidarity with their protest against the government's failure to fulfill promises made in 2024 regarding financial grants. The initial announcement led many parents to believe that academic activities would halt, prompting widespread inquiries and concern.

Official Stand: Schools Will Remain Open

To address this confusion, the Director of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Mahesh Palekar, issued a formal clarification on July 7, 2025. He stated that schools across the state would operate normally on July 8 and 9 despite the ongoing teachers’ protest. The directive aimed to ensure minimal disruption to the academic calendar and reassure students and parents alike.

Teachers’ Protest to Proceed at Azad Maidan, Mumbai

While schools will stay open, the protest movement is still expected to be large-scale and impactful. Thousands of teachers and non-teaching staff from government-aided schools across Maharashtra are scheduled to gather at Azad Maidan in Mumbai during the state assembly's monsoon session. The protest intends to draw attention to unfulfilled promises related to financial support for aided institutions.

The rally is expected to be peaceful but symbolic of educators' deepening frustration over the state’s delay in releasing the next tranche of grants promised last year.

Timeline of Events: A Year of Broken Promises

The current agitation is a continuation of a more protracted struggle that dates back to 2024:

• August 1, 2024: Teachers and non-teaching staff launched a 75-day statewide protest, demanding increased funding for government-aided schools.
• October 10, 2024: The state cabinet, chaired by the then Chief Minister, promised to release the pending grants in the next phase.
• October 14, 2024: A Government Resolution (GR) was issued, but it failed to meet the expectations laid out during the cabinet meeting.
• July 2025: With no action taken over the following year, the Teachers’ Coordination Committee declared a fresh round of protests, reviving the unresolved demands.

This prolonged period of unmet commitments has only heightened tensions, leading to the current call for state-wide attention and accountability.

Key Demands by the Teachers' Union

The protest is centered around the following core demands:

• Immediate release of financial grants promised in 2024.
• Inclusion of pending benefits and increments for both teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Enhanced budgetary allocations for aided schools to meet infrastructural and operational needs.
• Transparent implementation of the Government Resolution issued in October 2024.

These demands are not new, but failing to act upon them despite prior assurances has left the educators feeling neglected and unsupported.

Government’s Response So Far

While the Education Department has reiterated that schools must continue functioning, the government has not given any fresh assurance regarding fulfilling the teachers' financial demands. This has raised concerns about whether the protest will escalate further, especially if the current efforts go unheard.

According to sources within the protest committee, the next action phase may include indefinite strikes or sit-ins, depending on how the government responds during the ongoing monsoon assembly session.

Impact on Parents, Students, and Schools

The clarity on school functioning brings relief to parents and students, especially for those preparing for exams or involved in academic milestones. However, the looming uncertainty of future protests may still disrupt the academic flow if demands remain unmet.

School administrators have been advised to maintain regular attendance and academic operations. Still, many remain cautious, anticipating that many teachers might participate in the protest, potentially leading to logistical challenges.

Conclusion: A Call for Timely Action

While the Maharashtra Education Department has assured that schools will remain open on July 8 and 9, the teachers’ protest at Azad Maidan is a stark reminder of unresolved issues plaguing the state’s educational institutions. The lack of follow-through on financial aid commitments has led to deep dissatisfaction within the teaching community.

To prevent further disruption, the state government must take swift and transparent action, engaging directly with the Teachers’ Coordination Committee and delivering on its previous promises. Only then can Maharashtra’s education system return to stability, where educators and students feel supported, empowered, and heard.