The Newz Radar
Shimla: Unemployed scholars, under the banner of Sanskrit and Culture Protection Association, staged a protest in Shimla against recent changes in recruitment rules for Shastri (Sanskrit) positions by the state government. Alleging that the government is working to eliminate Sanskrit rather than promoting it, the scholars warned of a significant agitation if the decision is not reversed.
Association general secretary Hemant Sharma accused the government of altering the rules by referring to NCTE and modifying the R&R rules. He argued that while the government established these rules in 2023, they are being applied retrospectively from 2002, endangering the future of Sanskrit education.
Sharma emphasised that if Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA) in Sanskrit graduates are deemed eligible for Shastri positions, it raises concerns about the fate of Sanskrit colleges. He asserted that the battle is being fought to preserve Sanskrit, and they are prepared to escalate the fight at any level necessary.
Highlighting the government’s imposition of a 75% graduation score requirement for guest teachers, the scholars warned of a similar criterion in upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They asserted their readiness to take their struggle to the national level, ensuring awareness of the state government’s policies.
Devdutt Sharma criticized the government’s application of these rules as a severe blow to Sanskrit. He expressed intentions to escalate the protest to the Prime Minister’s office if their demands are not met.
Pawan Kumar raised concern about the mandatory requirement of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) for Shastri positions, questioning the practicality for those who pursued Sanskrit studies in 2003. With thousands of unemployed scholars in the state, he accused the government of injustice by imposing such decisions without considering their plight.
