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Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh teachers begin protest against rationalisation, govt claims 80% drop in single-teacher schools
Chhattisgarh Shikshak Sanjha Manch is protesting against the state's teacher rationalisation policy, alleging the removal of 46,000 teaching posts RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Shikshak Sanjha Manch (CSSM) has launched a statewide protest against the state government's teacher rationalisation policy, alleging the removal of over 46,000 teaching posts. The agitation began on Monday with black armband demonstrations and parent outreach, and will culminate in a major protest on Teachers' Day, 5 September. The CSSM, a joint forum of teachers, announced an intensified agitation against the state's rationalisation policy following a review meeting on 14 June. State convener Virendra Dubey said the forum is planning a structured protest, including a large-scale demonstration on Teachers' Day . On Monday, as schools reopened after the summer vacation, teachers across Chhattisgarh wore black armbands to protest against the policy. The forum urged all teachers in the state to participate in the upcoming protests. The plan includes the following stages: 16–30 June: Teachers will wear black armbands to mark their protest. 16–20 June: Members of the forum will reach out to parents, informing them about the flaws in the rationalisation process and the alleged reduction in teaching positions, seeking their support. Affected teachers will submit applications to the Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Education Secretary, either in person or by post. Copies will be shared with block, district, divisional, or state conveners. 20 June: Applications will be sent to the Chief Justice of India by affected teachers. 30 June: Demand letters will be sent to the Prime Minister by forum office-bearers and affected teachers. A memorandum detailing the discrepancies will be submitted to the DPI and the Education Secretary. 1 July: Teachers will go on a one-day strike and stage protests at 146 block headquarters across the state. 5 September: A major state-level protest will be held on Teachers' Day. Govt Claims Rationalisation Boosted School Staffing Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh government has defended the rationalisation move, stating it has improved teacher deployment across the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo According to the government, the number of single-teacher schools has been reduced by 80%, and no school is left without staff, particularly in remote areas. A government spokesperson said the transformation was possible due to rationalisation, which focused on equitable distribution of resources, logical teacher deployment, and postings in line with the Right to Education Act and the New Education Policy. Previously, 453 schools in the state had no teachers, and 5,936 schools had only one teacher. This problem was especially serious in remote and sensitive districts like Sukma, Narayanpur, and Bijapur. To address the issue, a three-phase counselling process was held at the district, divisional, and state levels. As a result, all high schools now have the minimum required teaching staff, and no school is left without a teacher. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has said that improving single-teacher schools is a key government priority. Additional teachers will be appointed through promotions and new recruitments in the coming months. The state is now focusing on 1,207 primary schools that still have only one teacher. Plans are in place to prioritise promotions, postings, and recruitment to improve staffing. Of these schools, Bastar has 283, Bijapur 250, Sukma 186, Mohla-Manpur-Chowki 124, Korba 89, Balrampur 94, Narayanpur 64, Dhamtari 37, Surajpur 47, Dantewada 11, while other districts have a total of 22 such schools. The government said teachers will be deployed to these schools based on need.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Teachers' forum: Rationalisation to promote privatisation & corruption
Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Sarva Shiksha Sanjha Manch, a joint forum of teacher organisations, on Saturday demanded an immediate rollback of the ongoing teacher rationalisation process in the state and including teachers' perspectives. The Manch termed the exercise 'inconsistent' and detrimental to the education system, announcing a series of protests, including district-level 'pol-khol' (expose) rallies on 10 June, divisional rallies on the 13th, and a boycott of the 'Shala Praveshotsav' (school admission festival) from 16 June. Speaking at a press conference at the Raipur Press Club, Virendra Dubey and other representatives asserted that the current rationalisation drive would promote privatisation of education and foster corruption. They clarified that their opposition was not to ensuring teacher availability in single-teacher or teacher-less schools. The forum also mentioned that a teachers' body had approached HC and they were also exploring legal options in case their protests are not responded to. 'Process Halted Last Yr But Resumed Without Inccluding Improvements' The representatives highlighted that similar rationalisation directives issued in Aug-Sept 2024 faced widespread criticism and protest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NYC Hotel Smartphone Booking | Bookmark Now! | New York City Hotel Booking | Mill Canyon Road Click Here Undo Although that process was halted last year, the department restarted it on 1 May 2025, without incorporating any improvements. The Manch alleged widespread nepotism and corruption, citing the replacement of a former education minister and suspension of four divisional joint directors and several other officials. They claimed that several points in the current directive violate the departmental set-up of 2008 and the recruitment and promotion rules of 2019. They also opposed the merging of schools based on low enrolment, short distance, or same campus. 'On Ground Changes That Will Affect Teachers & Students Not Being Addressed' A key concern raised is the reduction of the minimum set-up for primary schools from three posts, including the headmaster, to two. This, they argued, makes proper functioning of primary schools unfeasible, especially with the attachment of 'Balwadis', raising concerns about education quality and child safety. The reduction will lead to a large number of assistant teachers becoming surplus, causing significant disorder and discontent, they said. The Manch criticised the exemption of new recruits on probation from being declared surplus, while existing teachers are being removed, terming it an 'injustice' and a protection of arbitrary actions by departmental officials. Furthermore, they highlighted the the uncertain future of hundreds of Pota Cabin schools in Bastar division that lack departmental set-up approval. The rationalisation process in high and higher secondary schools, which identifies surplus teachers based on the number of periods, was deemed inappropriate, with the Manch arguing for more posts based on sections. The Manch put forward several key demands: immediate review and improvement of the rationalisation directives issued on 2 Aug 2024; a meeting of all teacher organisations for a consensual solution; no immediate changes to the departmental set-up of 2008; exclusion of headmaster posts from teacher count in primary and middle schools; and a minimum subject-free set-up for primary (01+02) and middle (01+04) schools. Finally, the Manch urged the department to establish departmental advisory committees at all levels. Dept Speaks On Process Meanwhile, education department secretary Siddhartha Komal Singh Pardeshi clarified that the rationalisation is being done as per the RTE Act 2009 and NEP 2020, assuring that no teacher will lose their job. He stated the aim is to provide quality education to children. Pardeshi explained that the rationalisation of 10,372 schools (98.6%) is being carried out on the same campus, encompassing primary, middle, high school, and higher secondary sections. He asserted that this 'one school, one campus' approach aligns with national and international criteria for better performance and results. He added that a teacher will monitor children from class 1 to 12 and that the rationalisation will make the method flexible, allowing a teacher of higher or higher secondary school to teach students of middle or high school in case of absence of any teacher. Pardeshi reiterated that no schools will be closed. He stated that out of approximately 48,000 schools, 10,538 are undergoing rationalisation, with 10,372 (98.6%) on the same campus. Adding that only 166 schools are being rationalised based on distance or student-teacher ratio. The secretary further explained that as per the RTE Act, a headmaster is required for every 150 students in primary schools, but if there are 60 students, two teachers will be present. He noted that present headmasters are handling both teaching and administrative work. Regarding Atmanand schools, he clarified that those on deputation are not under the purview of rationalisation, but those working as part of mergers and regular employees will be affected. Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Sarva Shiksha Sanjha Manch, a joint forum of teacher organisations, on Saturday demanded an immediate rollback of the ongoing teacher rationalisation process in the state and including teachers' perspectives. The Manch termed the exercise 'inconsistent' and detrimental to the education system, announcing a series of protests, including district-level 'pol-khol' (expose) rallies on 10 June, divisional rallies on the 13th, and a boycott of the 'Shala Praveshotsav' (school admission festival) from 16 June. Speaking at a press conference at the Raipur Press Club, Virendra Dubey and other representatives asserted that the current rationalisation drive would promote privatisation of education and foster corruption. They clarified that their opposition was not to ensuring teacher availability in single-teacher or teacher-less schools. The forum also mentioned that a teachers' body had approached HC and they were also exploring legal options in case their protests are not responded to. 'Process Halted Last Yr But Resumed Without Inccluding Improvements' The representatives highlighted that similar rationalisation directives issued in Aug-Sept 2024 faced widespread criticism and protest. Although that process was halted last year, the department restarted it on 1 May 2025, without incorporating any improvements. The Manch alleged widespread nepotism and corruption, citing the replacement of a former education minister and suspension of four divisional joint directors and several other officials. They claimed that several points in the current directive violate the departmental set-up of 2008 and the recruitment and promotion rules of 2019. They also opposed the merging of schools based on low enrolment, short distance, or same campus. 'On Ground Changes That Will Affect Teachers & Students Not Being Addressed' A key concern raised is the reduction of the minimum set-up for primary schools from three posts, including the headmaster, to two. This, they argued, makes proper functioning of primary schools unfeasible, especially with the attachment of 'Balwadis', raising concerns about education quality and child safety. The reduction will lead to a large number of assistant teachers becoming surplus, causing significant disorder and discontent, they said. The Manch criticised the exemption of new recruits on probation from being declared surplus, while existing teachers are being removed, terming it an 'injustice' and a protection of arbitrary actions by departmental officials. Furthermore, they highlighted the the uncertain future of hundreds of Pota Cabin schools in Bastar division that lack departmental set-up approval. The rationalisation process in high and higher secondary schools, which identifies surplus teachers based on the number of periods, was deemed inappropriate, with the Manch arguing for more posts based on sections. The Manch put forward several key demands: immediate review and improvement of the rationalisation directives issued on 2 Aug 2024; a meeting of all teacher organisations for a consensual solution; no immediate changes to the departmental set-up of 2008; exclusion of headmaster posts from teacher count in primary and middle schools; and a minimum subject-free set-up for primary (01+02) and middle (01+04) schools. Finally, the Manch urged the department to establish departmental advisory committees at all levels. Dept Speaks On Process Meanwhile, education department secretary Siddhartha Komal Singh Pardeshi clarified that the rationalisation is being done as per the RTE Act 2009 and NEP 2020, assuring that no teacher will lose their job. He stated the aim is to provide quality education to children. Pardeshi explained that the rationalisation of 10,372 schools (98.6%) is being carried out on the same campus, encompassing primary, middle, high school, and higher secondary sections. He asserted that this 'one school, one campus' approach aligns with national and international criteria for better performance and results. He added that a teacher will monitor children from class 1 to 12 and that the rationalisation will make the method flexible, allowing a teacher of higher or higher secondary school to teach students of middle or high school in case of absence of any teacher. Pardeshi reiterated that no schools will be closed. He stated that out of approximately 48,000 schools, 10,538 are undergoing rationalisation, with 10,372 (98.6%) on the same campus. Adding that only 166 schools are being rationalised based on distance or student-teacher ratio. The secretary further explained that as per the RTE Act, a headmaster is required for every 150 students in primary schools, but if there are 60 students, two teachers will be present. He noted that present headmasters are handling both teaching and administrative work. Regarding Atmanand schools, he clarified that those on deputation are not under the purview of rationalisation, but those working as part of mergers and regular employees will be affected.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Protest aginst Govt's Rationalisation Policy: CG teachers issue 2-day ultimatum to state govt
Raipur: Teachers across Chhattisgarh issued a two-day ultimatum to the state govt, threatening a division-wise sit-in protest starting May 31. This followed a massive protest in Raipur on Wednesday, where 23 teacher organisations, united under the 'Sarv Shikshak Sajha Manch' banner, attempted to gherao the Mantralaya. Teachers are protesting the govt's school rationalisation policy, which they claim will impact around 40,000 teachers and nearly 30,000 schools, alleging the move is misleading the public and will severely worsen the quality of education in govt schools. "Our talk with the Education Secretary failed, and thus we decided to continue our strike to save around 4,000 teachers' posts in govt primary, upper primary, and higher secondary schools across the state," said Virendra Dubey, State President of Shaley Shikshak Sangh. He clarified that while they have no objection to the principle of rationalisation, the state govt is allegedly conspiring to eliminate around 40,000 teaching posts by "freezing" the 2008 setup. Dharmesh Sharma, General Secretary of the Sangh, affirmed their acceptance of the RTE Act 2009 but insisted that the 2008 setup plan should remain. He claimed that through this rationalisation policy, the state govt plans to eliminate one post each in primary and middle schools, and one commerce lecturer post in higher secondary schools. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo According to Sharma, around 9,000 teachers from 13,000 upper primary schools and approximately 20,000 teachers from 30,000 primary schools will be affected. Similarly, 3,500 commerce lecturers in higher secondary schools, where there are typically two commerce lecturers per school, will be impacted by the proposed reduction to one. Sharma pointed out that Chhattisgarh's Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) is better than the national average, which is an achievement. However, he stressed that this does not justify abolishing teaching positions. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Education Department Secretary Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi clarified that there will be no tampering with the existing setup. He stated this during a recent media interaction amidst the ongoing protests. A report by the Chhattisgarh Education Department recently revealed that 211 govt schools across the state have zero student enrolment despite having teachers deployed. This finding came to light amidst a wider rationalisation effort by the department. For instance, in Sajabhavna and Harratikra Government Primary Schools in Batau development block of Surguja district, teachers are present despite the absence of students. The Education Department stated that these schools are no longer relevant, and the process of transferring these teachers to schools with actual need has begun. Conversely, remote and inaccessible areas of the state face a severe shortage of teachers, directly impacting students' academic performance. In the Government Higher Secondary School, Kunwarpur, in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, the absence of subject-specific teachers led to a higher secondary examination result of only 40.68% in 2024-25, significantly lower than the state's average. During his visit to Kunwarpur, CM Vishnu Deo Sai heard villagers' pleas for teacher appointments. Residents reported that teachers for crucial subjects like science, mathematics, and English were unavailable for years, hindering quality education. In response to these conditions, the Education Department is re-deploying teachers from schools with no students to those where they are genuinely needed through its rationalisation process. Departmental sources indicate that the teacher rationalisation process will be completed soon to improve the education system. Education experts believe this step was long overdue. They note that while some schools struggle without teachers, others had teachers who were underutilised due to a lack of students. They added that if the rationalisation is implemented transparently, it could significantly strengthen the education system.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh teachers give 2-day ultimatum to state govt over school rationalisation
RAIPUR: Teachers across Chhattisgarh have issued a two-day ultimatum to the state government, threatening a division-wise sit-in protest starting May 31. This comes after a massive protest in Raipur on Wednesday, where 23 teacher organisations, united under the 'Sarv Shikshak Sajha Manch' banner, attempted to gherao the Mantralaya. Teachers are protesting the government's school rationalisation policy, which they claim will impact around 40,000 teachers and nearly 30,000 schools, alleging the move is misleading the public and will severely worsen the quality of education in government schools. "Our talk with the Education Secretary failed, and thus we have decided to continue our strike to save around 4,000 teachers' posts in government primary, upper primary, and higher secondary schools across the state," said Virendra Dubey, State President of Shaley Shikshak Sangh. He clarified that while they have no objection to the principle of rationalisation, the state government is allegedly conspiring to eliminate around 40,000 teaching posts by "freezing" the 2008 setup. Dharmesh Sharma, General Secretary of the Sangh, affirmed their acceptance of the RTE Act 2009 but insisted that the 2008 setup plan should remain. He claimed that through this rationalisation policy, the state government plans to eliminate one post each in primary and middle schools, and one commerce lecturer post in higher secondary schools. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Τι είναι το ChatGPT για το οποίο μιλάνε όλοι; courses AI Undo According to Mr. Sharma, around 9,000 teachers from 13,000 upper primary schools and approximately 20,000 teachers from 30,000 primary schools will be affected. Similarly, 3,500 commerce lecturers in higher secondary schools, where there are typically two commerce lecturers per school, will be impacted by the proposed reduction to one. Sharma pointed out that Chhattisgarh's Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) is better than the national average, which is an achievement. However, he stressed that this does not justify abolishing teaching positions. Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Education Department Secretary Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi has clarified that there will be no tampering with the existing setup. He stated this during a recent media interaction amidst the ongoing protests. A report by the Chhattisgarh Education Department recently revealed that 211 government schools across the state have zero student enrollment despite having teachers deployed. This finding has come to light amidst a wider rationalisation effort by the department. For instance, in Sajabhavna and Harratikra Government Primary Schools in Batau development block of Surguja district, teachers are present despite the absence of students. The Education Department stated that these schools are no longer relevant, and the process of transferring these teachers to schools with actual need has begun. Conversely, remote and inaccessible areas of the state face a severe shortage of teachers, directly impacting students' academic performance. In the Government Higher Secondary School, Kunwarpur, in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, the absence of subject-specific teachers led to a higher secondary examination result of only 40.68% in 2024-25, significantly lower than the state's average. During his visit to Kunwarpur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai heard villagers' pleas for teacher appointments. Residents reported that teachers for crucial subjects like science, mathematics, and English have been unavailable for years, hindering quality education. In response to these conditions, the Education Department is re-deploying teachers from schools with no students to those where they are genuinely needed through its rationalisation process. Departmental sources indicate that the teacher rationalisation process will be completed soon to improve the education system. Education experts believe this step was long overdue. They note that while some schools struggle without teachers, others had teachers who were underutilised due to a lack of students. They added that if the rationalisation is implemented transparently, it could significantly strengthen the education system.
