In a major boost for thousands of guest teachers in Delhi, the Delhi Government has decided that time spent on Census duty will now be treated as official service, ensuring that teachers do not lose salary, experience or career benefits while carrying out national responsibilities.
The decision, approved by Education, Higher Education and Technical Education Minister Ashish Sood, is expected to benefit a large number of guest teachers who are often assigned government and statutory duties outside classrooms.
Under the new policy, every day spent on Census operations will be counted as a regular working day. The period will be added to a teacher’s total service record and teaching experience, and will also be reflected in experience certificates an important factor for future employment opportunities and professional growth.
Announcing the decision, Ashish Sood said, “Guest teachers are not merely educators, they are partners in nation building. When the Government entrusts them with important national responsibilities like the Census, they should not be penalised for serving the country. This decision ensures that every day spent in public service receives due recognition and respect."
Officials said the move has been taken to ensure that guest teachers are not placed at a disadvantage when they are called upon to perform duties in the public interest.
The government has also brought Census duty at par with election assignments, Booth Level Officer (BLO) work and COVID-19 relief operations, all of which are already recognised as official duty.
This will create greater uniformity in the treatment of guest teachers deployed for various government responsibilities.
Importantly, teachers engaged in Census work will continue to receive their regular remuneration and daily wages for the entire period of deployment, ensuring that their earnings remain unaffected.
Highlighting the spirit behind the decision, Sood said, “No teacher should be forced to choose between serving the nation and protecting their career."
The decision is being seen as another teacher-centric initiative by the Delhi Government, aimed at protecting the interests of guest teachers while recognising their contribution beyond the classroom.
By ensuring that public service assignments do not come at the cost of professional growth, the government has sought to provide both security and recognition to educators who play a crucial role in national programmes.
