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Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
BJP govt's rationalisation anti-education & anti-employment, will protest soon: Cong
Raipur: The Congress on Monday alleged that the BJP govt plans to shut down 10,000 schools and eliminate approximately 45,000 teaching posts through the rationalisation process. The Chhattisgarh govt and the school education department has repeatedly claimed that schools will not close under the ongoing rationalisation, but teachers' bodies in the state asserted that the govt is not acknowledging their issues, staging demonstrations on the district level. Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress committee (CPCC) president Deepak Baij alleged that the rationalisation will lead to a shortage of schools in remote areas, particularly in Bastar, Surguja, and Jashpur. Baij refuted the govt's claims, calling them a 'lie'. He reminded reporters that during the Assembly elections, the state govt claimed 58,000 teaching positions were vacant. While the Assembly announced 35,000 posts would be filled and the current year's budget mentioned recruitment for 20,000 teachers, Baij asserted that 45,000 posts are being eliminated to avoid these recruitments. "When there are no vacant positions, how will they recruit?" Baij questioned, terming the rationalisation process as 'anti-education' and 'anti-employment'. He warned that closing 10,000 schools will also result in the loss of jobs for thousands of cooks, watchmen, and service staff. The Congress will launch a grassroots movement against this decision, with details on protests in all districts and blocks to be announced shortly. Baij Raises Concerns Of Fertiliser, Seed Shortage Baij also raised concerns about a severe shortage of fertilisers and seeds in cooperative societies across the state due to negligence of the govt. He pointed out that while 3 lakh metric tonnes of DAP are required this year, only 81,000 metric tonnes are currently available. The monsoon has arrived, and Baij stressed that fertilisers should have already reached the societies, leaving farmers worried. He alleged that the govt does not want farmers to achieve a full harvest and is intentionally withholding supplies to reduce paddy procurement. 'Paddy MSP Hike By Govt Inadequate' Meanwhile, CPCC communication department head Sushil Anand Shukla criticised the Union govt's recent increase of Rs 69 in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy, calling it 'inadequate.' Shukla highlighted that last year, paddy MSP increased by 5.36%, rising by Rs 117 from Rs 2,183 to Rs 2,300 per quintal. This year's mere 3% increase is too low, considering the inflation rate is around 8%, Shukla further stressed on the matterss.


Time of India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress says BJP government plans to close schools and cut teaching jobs in Chhattisgarh
Congress on Monday alleged that the BJP govt plans to shut down 10,000 schools and eliminate approximately 45,000 teaching posts RAIPUR: Despite the Chhattisgarh govt's repeated claim that schools will not close under ongoing rationalisation, the Congress on Monday alleged that the BJP govt plans to shut down 10,000 schools and eliminate approximately 45,000 teaching posts. Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) President Deepak Baij alleged that the rationalisation will lead to a shortage of schools in remote areas, particularly in Bastar, Surguja, and Jashpur. Baij refuted the govt's claims, calling them a "lie". He reminded reporters that during the Assembly elections, the state govt claimed 58,000 teaching positions were vacant. While the Assembly announced 35,000 posts would be filled and the current year's budget mentioned recruitment for 20,000 teachers, Baij asserted that 45,000 posts are being eliminated to avoid these recruitments. "When there are no vacant positions, how will they recruit?" Baij questioned, terming the rationalisation process as "anti-education" and "anti-employment". He warned that closing 10,000 schools will also result in the loss of jobs for thousands of cooks, watchmen, and sweepers. The Congress will launch a grassroots movement against this decision, with details on protests in all districts and blocks to be announced shortly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Fertiliser, seed shortage raised Baij also raised concerns about a severe shortage of fertilisers and seeds in cooperative societies across the state due to govt negligence. He pointed out that while 3 lakh metric tonnes of DAP are required this year, only 81,000 metric tonnes are currently available. The monsoon has arrived, and Baij stressed that fertilisers should have already reached the societies, leaving farmers worried. He alleged that the govt does not want farmers to achieve a full harvest and is intentionally withholding supplies to reduce paddy procurement. Paddy MSP hike called inadequate Meanwhile, CPCC Communication Department head Sushil Anand Shukla criticised the Union govt's recent increase of Rs 69 in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy, calling it "inadequate." Shukla highlighted that last year, paddy MSP increased by 5.36%, rising by Rs 117 from Rs 2,183 to Rs 2,300 per quintal. This year's mere 3% increase is too low, considering the inflation rate is around 8%.


Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong opposes new rationalisation policy for teachers, alleges school closures
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Congress has opposed the state govt's new rationalisation policy for teachers, alleging it will lead to the closure of nearly 5,000 schools and dismantle the public education system. State Congress President Deepak Baij claimed that tribal areas in Bastar and Surguja would be severely affected. Baij raised concerns over the new setup, which counts headmasters in primary and middle schools as teaching staff, alongside a declared teacher-student ratio of 1:30 for primary schools and 1:35 for middle schools. He questioned how two teachers could cover 18 subjects in primary schools, or a headmaster and one teacher manage 18 classes for 60 students in middle schools, especially with additional duties like mid-day meal arrangements and official correspondence. Congress leader warned that school closures would impact not only teachers but also thousands of cooks, helpers, and women from self-help groups involved in mid-day meal preparation, leading to a livelihood crisis. He also stated that the reduction in minimum teaching positions across all school levels would limit opportunities for new teacher recruitments, thereby affecting education quality. Baij alleged that the Sai govt is conspiring to benefit private educational institutions by dismantling the public education system. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like San Salvador: Amazon CFD : Calcula cuánto podrías ganar invirtiendo solo $100 Market Sunny Reservar Ahora Undo He pointed out that govt data indicates 5,484 schools have one teacher each, and 297 schools have no teachers at all. He further claimed that an announcement of 33,000 teacher recruitments in the assembly was "maliciously halted". The Chhattisgarh Education Department has addressed concerns regarding the rationalisation of schools, clarifying that no schools will be closed, nor will any teaching positions be abolished. The department stated that the rationalisation process adheres to the Right to Education Act and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming for a fair distribution of teachers across schools. The Education Department refuted claims that 5,000 lecturers would become surplus due to a period-based calculation. The department clarified that positions in high schools and higher secondary schools are approved based on subjects. The department also labelled claims of 43,849 teaching positions being abolished as factually incorrect. It stated that based on calculations, only 5,370 teachers (3,608 assistant teachers at the primary level and 1,762 middle school teachers) were identified as surplus in proportion to student enrolment. These teachers will only be transferred to other schools. No positions are being abolished; all sanctioned posts will be kept for future use if student numbers increase. The Education Department clarified that rationalisation is not merely an administrative process. Its core objectives are to ensure quality education, provide teachers to schools in need, and make the education system more equitable. The department stated that this initiative is a firm and forward-looking step towards strengthening educational infrastructure in Chhattisgarh and providing adequate academic resources to students.


Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
BJP turning state into grazing ground for corporations: Cong
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Congress has alleged that the BJP govt focuses solely on exploiting Bastar's resources. The Congress party will soon launch a major public movement against the alleged loot of Bastar's wealth. "BJP govt has its eyes on Bastar's natural resources. CM Vishnu Deo Sai administration is turning the state into a grazing ground for corporate houses," stated Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) President Deepak Baij. He stated that four major iron ore mines in Bastar were handed over to private industrialists. Among them, the Bailadila 1A and 1B mines were leased to ArcelorMittal for 50 years. The Bailadila 1C mine was allotted to Rungta Steel for the same duration, and the Hahaladi mine in Kanker district was given to Sagar Stone for 50 years. Baij warned that this is just the beginning, and preparations are underway to hand over all of Bastar's precious mineral wealth to Adani. He alleged that a red carpet is being laid out in Bastar for Adani. Baij further alleged that instead of setting up mining-based public sector undertakings in Bastar, the BJP govt is handing over valuable mineral resources to capitalists at throwaway prices. He pointed out that despite widespread opposition, the Union Steel Minister recently visited Chhattisgarh and sold the Bhilai unit of the public sector enterprise Ferro Scrap Nigam Limited (FSNL) for Rs 320 crore, even though the unit was earning an annual profit of around Rs 100 crore. Baij also reminded that during the Raman Singh govt, Nagraz Hill in Bastar was sold to Adani with a fake Gram Sabha NOC. The previous Congress govt investigated and recommended cancellation of the allocation, but the proposal remains pending with the central govt. He added that the NMDC plant in Nagarnar, a public sector unit worth over Rs 20,000 crore, is listed for sale on the central govt's disinvestment portal "DIPAM. " He alleged that the central govt is selling off the right of Bastar's youth to govt employment. During elections, Prime Minister Modi and Union Home minister Amit Shah promised the people of Bastar that the Nagarnar plant would not be sold, yet the sale process continues, Baij further alleged.


Time of India
04-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Save Constitution rally' will confront Modi govt's attack on democracy: Baij
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee will launch the ' Samvidhan Bachao Abhiyan ' ( Save Constitution Rally ) in Bilaspur on May 8, as part of a nationwide campaign directed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC). Following the Bilaspur event, similar rallies will be organised at all district headquarters and assembly constituencies across Chhattisgarh. The campaign will then extend to a door-to-door initiative. During a meeting, Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (CPCC) president Deepak Baij said that the 'Save Constitution Campaign' will reach every household. He said the campaign aims to confront the Modi govt's alleged continuous attacks on the constitution and democratic institutions, its politics of vendetta, economic mismanagement, and systematic undermining of social justice. Baij added that the campaign will amplify the voices of ordinary citizens, highlight grassroots concerns, and reaffirm the values enshrined in the constitution. The meeting of leaders and legislators from the Bilaspur division was convened by Baij and AICC co-secretary and state co-in-charge Vijay Jangid to prepare for the Bilaspur rally . Former minister Umesh Patel was appointed as the convenor for the Bilaspur division rally. Jangid said that through this campaign, the Congress is united in defending the constitution, upholding the values of freedom, equality, and justice, and fighting for the rights, dignity, and future of all Indians. He affirmed the party's unwavering commitment to fighting for the poor, advocating for their rights and their voices. Meanwhile, the AICC reportedly directed all state presidents to raise the issue of a caste-based census in a planned and systematic manner. The AICC asked all state committees to appoint monitoring teams and observers at both state and district levels. By May 30, 'chaupals' (community meetings), rallies, and door-to-door outreach campaigns will be conducted in every assembly constituency, ensuring the participation of social workers, teachers, lawyers, shopkeepers, and SHG members. These efforts should communicate Congress's stance and Rahul Gandhi's leadership to the public while exposing the BJP's anti-caste census policies, AICC said. A few days ago, Baij and former CM Bhupesh Baghel had spoken against BJP govt's ineffectiveness to represent the state's interests.