- Say quality of education in govt schools hit
Bhopal: Teachers and aspiring educators from across Madhya Pradesh staged a major protest in the state capital on Tuesday, highlighting the severe shortage of teachers in government schools and the limited number of vacancies announced in recent recruitment examinations. Around 2,000 candidates gathered outside the Directorate of Public Instructions (DPI) and the Tribal Affairs Department, raising slogans and reciting the Hanuman Chalisa as a mark of peaceful protest.
The protesters alleged that despite the existence of a large number of vacant teaching posts, the government has announced only a fraction of required positions in the ongoing recruitment process. According to candidates, this has not only deprived qualified youth of employment opportunities but has also adversely affected the quality of education in government schools.
Citing official gazette data, the candidates claimed that as of December 27, 2024, nearly 99,197 secondary teacher posts and about 1,31,152 primary teacher posts are vacant in the state. However, only 10,800 secondary and 13,089 primary teacher posts are being filled under the current recruitment drive.
Zero vacancies shown for EWS, OBC categories
Serious allegations were also raised against the Tribal Affairs Department, with candidates claiming that zero vacancies have been shown in several subjects for EWS and OBC categories, raising concerns over social justice and reservation norms.
Teacher organizations warned that students are the biggest sufferers, as many schools operate with one teacher handling multiple subjects. The protesters demanded an increase in vacancies, early second-round counseling, and cautioned that the agitation may escalate into an indefinite and hunger strike if no decision is taken soon.
