Is Chhattisgarh's Teacher Rationalisation Policy an Attack on Education?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Chhattisgarh's Congress party accuses the state government of undermining education through its teacher rationalisation policy, citing potential job losses and school closures. With a major protest looming on Teachers' Day, the issue raises significant concerns about educational quality and support staff livelihoods in tribal areas.
Key Takeaways
- Chhattisgarh Congress criticizes the state government’s teacher rationalisation policy.
- Protests are set for Teachers’ Day on September 5.
- Over 45,000 teaching roles and 10,463 schools may face closure.
- New student-teacher ratios could eliminate a third of existing posts.
- Government defends the policy as a means to improve teacher deployment.
Raipur, June 21 (NationPress) In a fierce critique, Chhattisgarh Congress legislator and AICC (All India Congress Committee) secretary Devendra Yadav has condemned the BJP-led state government for its controversial teacher rationalisation policy. He described it as a move detrimental to both education and employment opportunities.
Yadav announced a significant state-level protest scheduled for Teachers’ Day on September 5. During a press conference at Indira Bhawan, he asserted that this policy could lead to the elimination of over 45,000 teaching positions and the closure of 10,463 schools statewide, disproportionately impacting tribal areas such as Bastar, Surguja, and Jashpur.
He further claimed that the rationalisation initiative appears aimed at avoiding necessary teacher recruitment, despite the government's prior commitment to fill 58,000 vacancies.
The newly proposed student-teacher ratios -- increasing the primary school ratio from 21:1 to 30:1 and middle school from 26:1 to 35:1 -- could potentially eliminate a third of current teaching roles.
Yadav highlighted that the remaining teachers would face an overwhelming workload, with two educators expected to manage 18 subjects along with additional non-teaching responsibilities.
The Congress leader accused the government of neglecting to consult teachers’ unions, parent organizations, and education experts prior to implementing the policy.
He cautioned that school closures would not only diminish educational quality but also threaten the livelihoods of countless mid-day meal workers, cooks, and support staff associated with the affected institutions.
Yadav declared that Congress would initiate statewide protests in every district and block, with further details of the agitation forthcoming.
In its defense, the Chhattisgarh government has stated that the rationalisation policy is intended to rectify disparities in teacher deployment.
Official data indicates that more than 5,500 schools in the state operate with a single teacher, while others have excess staff.
The government asserts that the policy has already reduced single-teacher schools by 80 percent and enhanced staffing in areas that are underserved.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reaffirmed the objective of achieving equitable access to quality education throughout the state, particularly in remote tribal regions.
Despite these assurances, protests from teachers’ unions have escalated, featuring black armband demonstrations and outreach efforts directed at parents.
Point of View
The ongoing conflict between the Chhattisgarh Congress and the state government highlights the critical balance needed between policy implementation and educational integrity. While the government asserts its intention to rectify staffing imbalances, the potential fallout from such policies must be carefully considered to ensure that educational opportunities are not compromised.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the teacher rationalisation policy?
The teacher rationalisation policy in Chhattisgarh aims to adjust teacher deployment to address imbalances, potentially leading to job losses and school closures.
Why are protests planned for Teachers' Day?
Protests are planned to voice opposition against the government's rationalisation policy, which critics argue jeopardizes educational quality and employment.
How many teaching posts could be affected?
The policy could eliminate over 45,000 teaching positions across the state.
What regions are most affected?
Tribal areas such as Bastar, Surguja, and Jashpur may be disproportionately impacted by the closures and job losses.
What does the government say about the policy?
The Chhattisgarh government claims the policy is necessary to correct staffing imbalances and improve educational access in underserved regions.
