Himachal vocational teachers start indefinite hunger strike in Shimla to protest sacking of protesting colleagues

Vocational teachers across Himachal Pradesh are up in arms after state authorities issued dismissal orders against some of their colleagues protesting at Chaura Maidan in Shimla. The teachers have decided to continue their relay hunger strike until Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu returns to Shimla from Gujarat.

Since March 30, the protesting teachers have been demanding the removal of private companies from the recruitment process and direct hiring through the Education Department. On Thursday (April 10, 2025), the teachers resumed their indefinite hunger strike at Chaura Maidan.

Allege unfair practices by private firms deputed for hiring

The Vocational Trainers’ Association has accused private companies of arbitrary practices, alleging that teachers were being forced to report to schools within 48 hours via email ultimatums or face termination.

Ashwini Dadhwalia, president of the Vocational Trainers’ Association, claimed that companies were using strong-arm tactics to suppress the protest. “Teachers are being threatened with dismissal without even being issued show-cause notices. These companies are crushing dissent instead of addressing our grievances,” he said.

Shimla Congress MLA assures of arranging meeting with CM

The association insists that the government must eliminate private intermediaries, integrate vocational teachers under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and ensure direct appointments by the Education Department. Around 2,174 teachers from across Himachal have been protesting for the past 12 days.

On Wednesday, a delegation of teachers met Congress Shimla (Urban) MLA Harish Janartha, who assured them of arranging a meeting with the CM soon. The association also held discussions with Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, urging immediate action.

Sunil Chadha