- Teachers’ thunder in the capital
Bhopal: The heart of Madhya Pradesh echoed with the slogans of thousands of government school teachers who gathered at Ambedkar Park today to launch a massive strike. Protesting under the banner of the MP State Teachers’ Union, educators from across the state have raised a war cry against the mandatory e-attendance system and long-pending demands for seniority (varishtata) and promotions. The demonstration has caused a significant stir, with teachers warning that their academic struggle will shift permanently to the streets if the government remains indifferent.
= Technical glitches vs. quality education
The primary flashpoint of the protest is the mobile-based “Hamare Shikshak” e-attendance app. Union President Jagdish Yadav alleged that teachers are being “terrorized” by officials to use a technically flawed system. Teachers argue that the first and last periods of the school day are often wasted navigating app glitches—such as the system marking them absent even when present or showing their location 50 km away. “The government is prioritizing digital surveillance over the quality of education,” Yadav stated, emphasizing that these technical hurdles are directly hurting students’ learning time.
= Struggle for seniority and recognition
Beyond technology, the teachers are demanding the restoration of seniority based on their total service period, which impacts their promotions and pay scales. Many educators have been awaiting regularisation and promotion for years, claiming that the current administrative policies treat them like “machines” rather than mentors. With the High Court currently hearing petitions regarding the privacy and practicality of the app, the teachers have vowed to continue their agitation until a concrete resolution is reached.
