Sukhu govt backtracks on poll promise of providing permanent jobs, set to hire 2,600 guest teachers
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The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: Having promised before elections to do away with temporary appointments, the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal Pradesh is now itself resorting to the same process of employment, leaving unemployed youth disappointed.
The government’s decision to recruit 2,600 guest teachers in the education department, approved by the cabinet on Friday (January 12, 2024), has triggered resentment among the educated unemployed youth who were anticipating permanent employment, as promises by the Congress during the Assembly elections over a year ago.
The move comes a year after the Sukhu government assumed power, leading to heightened frustration among the youth who had been anticipating permanent placements. Expressing their discontent, the unemployed youth are warning of taking to the streets to voice their opposition against the decision by the government.
Concern over ‘backdoor’ temporary recruitment
This is not the first instance of temporary teacher recruitment in the education department of the state as similar practices have been observed for the past two decades. Various categories of temporary teachers, including Gramin Vidya Upasaks in 2002-03, primary assistant teachers from 2003 to 2007, parateachers in 2004, and SMC (school management committee) teachers since 2011, have been appointed through temporary recruitment processes.
Despite the history of such practices, the government is proceeding with temporary appointments even though the court has previously issued orders against such hirings.
Protest erupts among unemployed trained youth
The unemployed youth, especially those trained in JBT (Junior Basic Training), TGT (Trained Graduate Teacher), drawing master and PET (Physical Education Teacher), are expressing their protest against the government’s decision. These trained individuals, who had been preparing for government commission exams for many years, had hoped for batchwise appointments and direct recruitment opportunities. However, the introduction of temporary recruitment has dashed their hopes.
Chaman Lal, former district president of JBT-DElEd trained unemployed union of Mandi, criticised the government’s decision and demanded a reversal of the temporary teacher recruitment plan. He warned that if the government does not reconsider, the unemployed trained teachers would be compelled to take to the streets in protest.
Call for permanent recruitment by unemployed art teachers
Even drawing masters, represented by the Himachal Pradesh Unemployed Art Teachers Association, are protesting the government’s decision. Balwant Singh, the association’s president, along with vice-president Jagdish Thakur and other officials, highlighted the court’s previous directives against temporary teacher recruitment. Despite the court’s orders, the government’s decision to fill 2,600 guest teacher positions on temporary basis has left thousands of youth disappointed. They said that the government should make permanent recruitments so that unemployed youth could get appointment through batchwise and direct recruitment.
