If elections are the democratic right of citizens, they have turned into a democratic fright for teaching staff. Given that teachers have already been roped into duties for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections scheduled on January 15, 2025, local leaders have written to the civic body asking for leeway with the additional responsibilities.

“We request you not to procure the services of pregnant teachers, teachers with young children, all teachers above 54 years of age, teachers suffering from serious illnesses, and teachers with disabilities in the upcoming municipal corporation elections,” wrote JM Abhyankar, Shikshak Sena president and Member of Legislative Council (MLC), in a letter to the civic body.