TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 9, 2025 — Senior spokesperson for the State Congress Committee, Surendra Verma, has strongly condemned the government’s new “rationalization” policy, claiming it will lead to the closure of approximately 5,000 schools in Chhattisgarh. Verma argued that the move, which reduces the minimum number of teachers in schools, is a calculated attempt to undermine the state’s government education system, particularly harming children in tribal areas like Bastar and Surguja.
According to Verma, the new policy will not only result in school closures but will also disrupt the livelihoods of thousands of support staff, including cooks, cleaners, and women self-help group members who manage mid-day meal programs. He said that these workers will face a crisis due to the forced shutdowns.
The new rationalization rules reduce teaching posts in primary, middle, high, and higher secondary schools, decreasing opportunities for new teacher recruitment. Verma warned that this would have a detrimental impact on the quality of education in the state, as fewer teachers will be available to meet the growing demands of students.
(Senior Spokesperson CG State Congress)
A Risk to Education Quality
Verma criticized the government for making such a sweeping decision without consulting with stakeholders or considering the long-term consequences for Chhattisgarh’s education system. He pointed out that over 58,000 teaching positions are currently vacant in the state, with many teachers retiring each month and promotions halted for years. He also cited ongoing disputes regarding pay scales and teacher transfers.
Under the new policy, the roles of headmasters (HMs) in primary and middle schools have been redefined to include teaching duties. Verma argued that the reduction of teacher posts would make it impossible for schools to function effectively. For instance, in primary schools, where multiple subjects are taught across various grades, only two teachers would now be expected to cover 18 classes, a drastic change from the previous system. Similarly, in middle schools, a headmaster and a single teacher would be expected to manage 18 classes for 60 students, in addition to non-teaching responsibilities like managing mid-day meals and responding to emails.
A Conspiracy to Undermine Government Schools
Verma claimed that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s true aim is to weaken the public education system and benefit private educational institutions. He noted that there are currently 5,484 schools in the state that rely on a single teacher, and 297 schools have no teachers at all. Despite these challenges, the BJP government has not filled any regular teaching posts in the past 15 months, he said.
Verma further criticized the government’s failure to follow through on the recruitment of 33,000 teachers, which had been announced in the state assembly but was later halted. The rationalization move, he said, was an extension of this neglect, aiming to close schools and eliminate teacher posts under the guise of efficiency.
Call for Immediate Action
The Congress spokesperson demanded that the government immediately withdraw the decree reducing teacher posts and that a policy be put in place to promote teachers and resolve ongoing issues like transfers and pay scales before proceeding with any further changes. He urged the government to prioritize the future of the state’s children by ensuring the sustainability and quality of the public education system.
