Jaipur: The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (School Education Wing), Rajasthan, has announced a phased statewide agitation against the state government and education department officials, alleging continuous negligence, administrative rigidity, and failure to resolve long-pending issues related to teachers and the education system.
A press conference was held in Jaipur on Sunday under the leadership of State President Ramesh Chandra Pushkarna, where the organization formally declared its protest movement.
State General Secretary Mahendra Kumar Lakhara stated that since the formation of the new government, the federation has consistently engaged in dialogue with the authorities to resolve teachers’ issues. However, despite more than two years of the government’s tenure, major educational and departmental matters remain unresolved, creating widespread anger among lakhs of teachers across Rajasthan.
The federation said it repeatedly sought solutions through discussions regarding demands such as amendments in the Shivira Panchang, transfers for all cadres including third-grade teachers, promotions, financial approval for upgraded schools since 2019, implementation of staffing patterns, continuation of RGHS facilities, removal of salary anomalies, regularization of contractual teachers, and several other pending issues.
As no concrete action was taken, the organization announced a phased protest movement. According to State President Pushkarna, demonstrations will be organized at block level on May 14, district level on May 29, divisional protests at the Bikaner Directorate on June 5, and Jaipur divisional protests on June 10. A statewide sequential sit-in protest will begin from June 18, followed by a gherao of the Rajasthan Assembly during the Monsoon Session.
The federation strongly criticized the functioning of senior education department officials, alleging that under the guise of “innovation,” policies are being implemented that are harming teachers, students, and the education system itself. The organization claimed that an atmosphere of uncertainty has been created in the department where decisions are imposed without scope for reconsideration, while officials allegedly mislead the government and mentally harass teachers.
Summer Vacation Reduction Sparks Outrage
Convener of the struggle committee Sampat Singh said that recent government decisions have intensified resentment among teachers. One major issue is the reduction of summer vacations in government schools.
Federation leaders argued that officials misled the government with incorrect facts in the name of increasing teaching days. They termed the decision “unscientific” and unsuitable for Rajasthan’s extreme climatic conditions. The federation highlighted that while higher education institutions receive 60 days of summer break, Kendriya Vidyalayas receive 61 days, and Navodaya Vidyalayas 56 days, summer holidays in state-run schools have been reduced to only 35 days.
The organization also objected to disputes being created over optional leave granted to institution heads, which traditionally falls under the category of discretionary leave for state employees.
Promotion and Posting Policies Under Fire
The federation alleged that although the government intended to provide relief through time-bound promotions, departmental officials complicated the process through rigid policies. Despite vacancies in home districts, teachers are allegedly being forced to accept postings in distant districts.
The federation also accused officials of violating counseling norms by displaying only 100 percent vacancies instead of the mandated 125 percent, preventing many deserving teachers from securing postings in their preferred locations. The organization demanded that double the vacant posts should be displayed during counseling.
Questions Raised Over PM SHRI Schools and Staffing Issues
The federation also questioned the selection process in PM SHRI schools, alleging double standards in eligibility criteria. According to the organization, while a mandatory 60 percent marks requirement has been imposed in some cases, relaxations are being provided elsewhere for promotion-based selections.
The organization further highlighted the plight of third-grade teachers, many of whom have reportedly been waiting for transfers for nearly eight years. It also pointed out that although many schools have been upgraded, financial approvals for teaching posts have not been issued, leaving higher secondary schools functioning without adequate staff.
Teachers Burdened with Non-Teaching Duties
The federation accused the administration of continuously burdening teachers with non-academic work. Despite orders limiting teachers’ deployment in census duties to 30 percent, many local authorities allegedly assigned duties to almost all teachers, including those from single-teacher schools.
The organization further stated that teachers are being forced to perform multiple online tasks without being provided proper mobile devices, tablets, or computer facilities. Frequent technical issues with the Shala Darpan portal and teacher app reportedly disrupt attendance processes and classroom teaching.
The federation also alleged that teachers, including principals and lecturers, are being assigned clerical duties in various tehsil and sub-divisional offices.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
The federation warned that the current administrative approach is not only causing mental stress to teachers but is also discouraging students from opting for government education. The organization stated that unless the department reviews its policies and resolves existing anomalies, a large-scale statewide agitation will be intensified in the coming months.