Demand for Increased Teacher Vacancies in Madhya Pradesh, Candidates Protest with Hanuman Chalisa Recitation in Bhopal

Protestors Warn of Unconditional Strike If Demands Are Not Met
Bhopal, MP: In a strong show of dissent, over 2,000 selected candidates for teacher recruitment staged a protest in Bhopal, demanding an increase in the number of teacher vacancies. The protestors surrounded the Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Department of Tribal Affairs, holding a unique demonstration by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, seeking the government’s attention. They issued a stern warning that if their demands were not addressed, the protest would escalate into an indefinite hunger strike.

Discontent Over Vacancy Numbers

The candidates’ frustration stems from the disparity between the official vacancy numbers and the actual recruitment. According to the state government’s Gazette notification dated December 27, 2024, there are 99,197 vacancies for secondary school teachers and 1,31,152 vacancies for primary school teachers in Madhya Pradesh. However, the government is only recruiting 10,800 secondary teachers (Class-2) and 13,089 primary teachers (Class-3), leaving a large number of posts unfilled. The protestors argue that with so many vacancies, offering so few seats is a disservice to qualified candidates and jeopardizes their future prospects.

Allegations of Ignoring Reservation Norms

The protestors also leveled serious allegations against the Tribal Affairs Department, accusing it of ignoring reservation rules. They pointed out that several subjects have shown zero vacancies for the EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) and OBC (Other Backward Classes) categories, which they claim is a violation of social justice principles.

Calls for Immediate Action

As the protestors continue their rally on the streets of Bhopal, a heavy police presence has been deployed to maintain order. The candidates have made it clear that unless the number of teacher vacancies is increased in proportion to the existing vacancies, the state’s education system and the future of the youth will remain bleak.