SHIMLA: In a scathing verdict, the High Court of Himachal Pradesh has lambasted the state government for what it deems as a "callous and exploitative approach towards its impoverished and unemployed youth".

 The court, presided over by a Division Bench consisting of Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Sandeep Sharma, accused the state of saving money at the expense of vulnerable and desperate young individuals.

The youth in their pursuit of a glimmer of economic hope, are forced to accept unfavorable terms merely for survival rather than a dignified livelihood.

The court's scrutiny focused on the state's implementation of the Grant-in-Aid to Parent Teacher Association Rules, 2006, designed to provide financial assistance to PTA (Parent Teacher Association) teachers across all schools in Himachal Pradesh.

However, a communication dated August 27, 2007, abruptly deemed this aid inapplicable to PTA teachers serving in schools within the purview of Municipal Corporations, Municipal Committees, and Nagar Panchayats.

Despite persistent court directives urging the state to appoint regular teachers in schools, successive administrations have consistently failed to comply, leaving PTAs with no choice but to hire teachers under compelling circumstances to safeguard the educational future of children.

The court vehemently contested the state's classification of PTA teachers, asserting that those serving in rural and urban areas belong to the same professional class.

The distinction drawn between them was deemed unintelligible, as both urban and rural PTA teachers were found to be appointed for identical reasons and performed identical duties with an equal degree of accountability and responsibility.

Labeling the classification of PTA teachers as discriminatory, the court condemned it as yet another instance of the state's exploitative policies.

The ruling underscores a broader narrative of systemic disregard for the welfare and rights of the youth, highlighting the urgent need for a more equitable and just approach to governance in Himachal Pradesh.