Latest news with #rediff
India Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
A nation without school teachers: Who will teach the next generation?
In a school in Bihar, the bell rings sharp at 9 a.m. But the classroom is silent. There are no teachers none at all. Just rows of confused children sitting in uniform, waiting. In the heart of Bihar, as of August 2025, around 29 schools report zero teachers, while nearly 354 schools have just one, and 2,977 schools manage with only two, as per a directive from the Additional Chief Secretary aiming to ensure a bare minimum staff of three teachers per primary 14,213 schools in the state exceed a pupilteacher ratio (PTR) of 40:1, far above the NEP2020 ideal of 30:1 (and 25:1 in disadvantaged areas)This isn't an isolated glitch , it's the new not a lack of students. It's not even always a lack of money. It's something far more dangerous: a global shortage of people willing to BROKEN PIPELINE: POSTS SANCTIONED, BUT SEATS STILL EMPTYDespite grand reforms like the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), India is facing a crippling shortage of qualified teachers—particularly in rural and government Ground Reality:14,213 schools in Bihar have a pupil–teacher ratio (PTR) higher than the legal limit of 40:1.29 schools in the state have no teacher at 2,977 schools are run by just two states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, recruitment delays stretch over months, often years. Exams are held, results are delayed, and appointments are frozen by legal battles or lack of political Kumar, Founder of Super 30 once commented on rediff saying 'There is no substitute for teachers Very few people want to become teachers, though just everyone in the society wants the best teacher for his/her wards. India has huge vacancies just anyone is made a teacher, which is affecting the quality.'THE FALLOUT:In West Bengal, 25,753 teachers were sacked in a recruitment scam scandal, leading to violent protests and legal chaos. Many say they were unfairly dismissed, collateral damage in a political Odisha, over 6,000 retired teachers are being rehired as "guest faculty" due to a desperate shortage of trained are left fending for their children's education. Students, especially in rural areas, rely increasingly on poorly trained contractual teachers or self-study. The ideal of equitable education is cracking at the BROKEN PROMISES, AND BLEEDING CLASSROOMS India's crisis is mirrored shockingly in developed nations once seen as benchmarks for public STATES: BURNOUT REPLACING BOOKSTeacher turnover is rising again, with 7% of teachers quitting every year, up from 6% before the Houston ISD, over 2,300 teachers quit between June 2024 and June 2025, citing a toxic mix of micromanagement, lack of autonomy, and overwhelming pressure to East Baton Rouge, only 3 out of every 10 teachers stay beyond five years. Each loss costs the district up to $25, causes are clear: low pay, unsafe environments (especially post-school shootings), excessive testing, and chronic disrespect for the profession. The American dream of shaping minds is now a path many educators are sprinting away CLASSROOMS WITHOUT TEACHERSThe country faces a shortfall of 4,000+ secondary teachers by half of Australian teachers are considering quitting within the next 12 in schools is rising, workloads are unsustainable, and many teachers work 48+ hours a week, unpaid beyond the government is scrambling. They've introduced $160 million in scholarships for aspiring teachers. But no scholarship can replace respect, dignity, or work-life balance. The profession is losing not just workers—but its DRIVING THIS GLOBAL EXODUS?Across borders and systems, the reasons echo Threads:Burnout: Teachers are overwhelmed with admin work, large class sizes, and emotional Pay: In many regions, teacher salaries have stagnated or fallen behind Growth: Career ladders are unclear or The profession is no longer aspirational. From parents to policymakers, teachers are treated like replaceable when they leave? They're not just quitting jobs. They're quitting futures of students, of schools, and of AND AI: HELP OR HINDRANCE?In India and globally, edtech was touted as a savior. Platforms like Byju's, Coursera, and Khan Academy promised to "democratize education". But here's the problem: tech can supplement a teacher it cannot replace can grade essays, but it can't read between the lines of a troubled student's lessons can inform, but they cannot no app can manage a classroom or mentor a real teachers vanish, the human core of education goes with them. When real teachers vanish, the human core of education goes with them. TEMPORARY FIXES, LONG-TERM DAMAGEGovernments are rushing to fill gaps with band-aids:India: Rehiring retirees, guest teachers, and untrained Promising cash and fast-tracked Recruiting from abroad (including India and the Philippines) to plug these are symptoms of denial, not solutions. The profession needs structural surgery, not sugar NEEDS TO CHANGE?Pay Teachers What They're WorthCompetitive salaries must reflect the critical role of Administrative LoadTeachers must teach—not spend hours buried in compliance Teaching Prestigious AgainPublic respect, media representation, and growth opportunities Mental HealthInstitutional mechanisms for stress, trauma, and burnout must be built and Train RegularlyNo reform can work if there's no one left to implement crisis in teaching isn't just about vacant posts or crumbling salaries it's about a deep, systemic neglect of the very people tasked with shaping the minds of the future. When teachers feel undervalued, overworked, and invisible, the classroom becomes a hollow is not merely an education issue. It's a social emergency. A country that sidelines its teachers cannot expect its students to thrive. If the nation continues to ignore the warning signs burnout, mass resignations, and vanishing respect we won't just have a shortage of teachers; we'll have a shortage of question now isn't just "Where are all the good teachers going?" It's, "What will we do to bring them back?"- Ends
Time of India
17-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
This Mughal emperor banned killing animals on special days– and no, it wasn't Akbar
Today, animal rights and ethical treatment are part of growing conversations around the world. But more than 400 years ago, a Mughal emperor– better known for his love of art, wine, and luxury– made a quiet but remarkable decision that often goes unnoticed in history books. Emperor Jahangir, son of Akbar, introduced a ban on animal slaughter on certain days of the year. It wasn't for public attention or religious reasons. It was a personal choice, supported by official orders, showing a thoughtful and unexpected side of leadership during the early 1600s. Jahangir became emperor in 1605, following the rule of his father, Akbar. While Akbar is often praised for promoting religious tolerance and administrative reforms, Jahangir built on that legacy in his own way. One of his first official orders as emperor was to ban animal slaughter on specific days of the year. According to a report presented by ibiblio(dot)org, Jahangir mentioned in his memoirs, the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri , that Slaughter was not allowed on Thursdays, on Sundays (to honour Akbar's birthday), and during important Jain festivals. In a thoughtful and unusual decision, Jahangir also introduced a rule that increased the number of non-slaughter days each year, matching his age. So, if he were 42 years old, then 42 days in that year would be dedicated to protecting animal life. Jahangir's love for nature went far beyond maintaining royal gardens or keeping exotic animals. He was known for closely observing birds and animals, often writing about them in detail in his personal memoirs. These writings show a genuine interest and affection for the natural world around him. He built places like Haathi Mahal– a rest house for elephants that had retired from royal service– and even made a proper tomb for his pet deer. These were not just symbolic acts. They reflected his belief that animals were not just property or tools, but living beings worthy of care, respect, and dignity. Jahangir's compassion wasn't limited to animals. One of his most well-known reforms was the installation of the Chain of Justice– a gold chain that stretched from Agra Fort to the riverbank. According to an online report by rediff(dot)com, anyone who felt they had been treated unfairly by local officials could pull the chain to ask for the emperor's direct attention. It served as both a real and symbolic gesture of his commitment to justice. He also introduced several welfare measures during his rule. These included building public hospitals, making travel routes safer, and banning harsh punishments like cutting off someone's nose or ears. Some of Jahangir's policies did appeal to more conservative Islamic groups– for example, he removed certain taxes and put restrictions on alcohol. But at the same time, he was unusually honest about his own life. As per rediff(dot)com, in his memoirs, he openly admitted that he continued drinking alcohol even after banning its sale in public. It was a rare moment of honesty from a ruler who seemed to understand the difference between public policy and personal choice. His decision to ban animal slaughter also had a practical side. It helped build goodwill with the Jain community, especially in key trade cities where they held social and economic influence. In this way, Jahangir showed that moral policies could also help maintain social balance. Jahangir is often overlooked in comparison to the more famous Mughal rulers like Akbar and Shah Jahan. But his rule had its own quiet strength, marked by attention to detail, a sense of empathy, and a balanced way of governing. His steps toward animal welfare may seem small in the larger story of the Mughal Empire, but they offer a deeper look at a ruler who wasn't afraid to mix power with compassion.
