Rajasthan Govt Withdraws Teacher Duty Order for Ram Katha Event After Political Row

Bundi (Rajasthan): The Rajasthan Education Department has withdrawn an order deputing five government school teachers for duty at a Ram Katha event in Bundi district, following a major political controversy that erupted within hours of the directive being issued.

The order was released on February 2 by the Chief Block Education Officer’s office in Nainwa, directing the teachers from government schools in the Nainwa block to assist in arrangements for a nine-day religious and social programme, including a Mahayaagya and Ram Katha, at the Shri Ambika Mata Temple in Bansi.

As per the directive, the teachers were to be deployed from February 2 to February 7 for managing organisational duties related to the event.

Order Cancelled the Same Day

However, after the matter triggered widespread criticism and political backlash, the department cancelled the deputation order on the same day, with immediate effect. The teachers’ deputation was revoked and they were instructed to return to their original posts.

Speaking on the issue, the Chief Block Education Officer stated that once it was realised that the order was inappropriate, it was promptly withdrawn.

“It was felt that the order was not proper. Therefore, it was cancelled the same day,” the official said.

Dotasara Targets Education Minister in Assembly

The controversy gained momentum after Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra raised the matter in the state assembly and strongly criticised Education Minister Madan Dilawar. Dotasara called the move “unfair” and accused the government of misusing the education system by deploying teachers for religious events.

He stressed that teachers should be assigned only academic responsibilities and should not be diverted for non-educational activities.

According to Dotasara, the government must prioritise strengthening the education system instead of using school staff for functions unrelated to teaching.

Government Faces Pressure, Takes U-Turn

The swift withdrawal of the order is being seen as a clear government U-turn, coming amid mounting political pressure and concerns over the inappropriate use of educational resources for religious programmes.