DEHRADUN: In a first of its kind move in Uttarakhand and possibly the country, around 150 teachers in the hill state, who were found to have been "missing from duty for periods ranging from over six months to several years" will be "obligated to retire", and fresh appointments made in their stead.

State education minister Dhan Singh Rawat made this announcement earlier this week, saying "it's in the best interest of students".

The education department has been asked to compile a comprehensive list of the missing teachers, so that action can be initiated, sources said.

While provisions for voluntary retirement already exist, this marks the first instance of such measures being strictly enforced, according to an education department official.

"This would be the first time that mass retirements of this scale are enforced anywhere in the country," the official added.

A majority of these "missing" teachers are deputed in hill districts, where rough terrain is often used as an excuse for skipping work.

Some of them have been availing of the provision of "leave without pay", which differs across services.

Speaking to TOI, education minister Rawat said, "Those who have been on leave without pay for a significant period of time can opt for voluntary retirement.

In fact, we will make it mandatory for them to do so." "Teachers of the state's education board, who are currently on deputation with other departments or states, can obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from us to transfer their service, which will let us make fresh appointments," he added.

Officials clarified that physically-disabled teachers who were unable to fulfil their duties cannot be forced into retirement but they will be "encouraged to opt for voluntary retirement, allowing for the appointment of active teachers in their positions".

The minister also announced that mental well-being support and career counselling portals will soon be established to assist students as part of the policies outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.

Teachers' unions across the state supported the government's decision.

"If a teacher has started working in another department without informing the education department, the state's decision (to get them to take a transfer and an NOC) is a good move.

Removing those who have been absent for a long time is also a judicious step," said Ankit Joshi, a member of Government Teachers' Association, Uttarakhand.