Following the recent resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the political atmosphere in Rajasthan has intensified with a growing demand for the resignation and immediate dismissal of State Education Minister Madan Dilawar. Teachers and government employees across the state have taken to the streets to express their deep-seated anger against the minister's administrative decisions and conduct. Under the banner of the Akhil Rajasthan Rajya Karmachari Sanyukt Mahasangh (Ekikrit), a significant faction of state employees has mobilized to challenge the current leadership of the education department.
Widespread Protests in Jaipur
On July 26, thousands of employees gathered in Jaipur to launch a massive front against the state government. The protest is a culmination of long-standing grievances related to administrative uncertainty within the education department, the ban on transfers for Third Grade teachers, alleged irregularities in the transfer process, and significant delays in the posting of promoted officials. The protesters have also raised concerns regarding the disrespectful behavior exhibited towards educators, which has further fueled the demand for Dilawar's removal from the cabinet.
Controversy Over Third Grade Teacher Transfers
The most significant point of contention in Rajasthan's education department revolves around the transfer policy, which directly impacts more than 5 lakh teachers and employees. For several years, Grade III teachers have been waiting for a transparent transfer policy to be implemented. The absence of such a policy has left thousands of families facing mental and financial distress. The Mahasangh has leveled serious allegations against the department, stating that humanitarian rules were completely ignored during the transfer process. Specifically, the needs of teachers suffering from serious illnesses like cancer, widows, abandoned women, and spouse cases (where both husband and wife seek placement in the same location) were reportedly overlooked.
Allegations of Favoritism and Privacy Violations
The federation officials claim that instead of establishing a transparent policy, transfers were carried out arbitrarily, prioritizing those with political influence. This has led to immense disappointment among teachers stationed in remote rural areas. On top of that, the controversy deepened following reports of verbal instructions regarding the checking of personal mobile phones of female teachers during surprise school inspections. The Mahasangh has registered a strong objection to this, labeling it a violation of privacy, dignity, and self-respect. They argue that such actions under the guise of administrative inspection are a direct breach of constitutional rights.
Administrative Stagnation and Harassment
The department's functioning is also under scrutiny regarding the administrative structure of schools and the regularization of sports teachers, while 5 years. This delay has left hundreds of higher secondary schools without administrative heads, severely affecting academic work. On top of that, the regularization process for Physical Training Instructors (PTI) has been unnecessarily delayed, creating uncertainty in their careers. The Mahasangh also alleged that employees in the specially-abled category are being harassed and humiliated through repeated medical certificate verifications at the administrative level.
Madan Dilawar's Response and the Road Ahead
In response to the mounting pressure and serious allegations, Education Minister Madan Dilawar addressed the media to defend his position. He categorically denied all charges of corruption, stating that if anyone could prove, by swearing on their children, that he had taken even 1 rupee in exchange for a teacher's transfer, he would retire from politics immediately. While his supporters claim these measures are intended to bring discipline and punctuality to the education system, the protesting unions remain unconvinced. The Akhil Rajasthan Rajya Karmachari Sanyukt Mahasangh (Ekikrit) has declared an all-out struggle, organizing a massive sit-in at the Bais Godam Circle in Jaipur, while a delegation is set to submit a detailed memorandum to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, demanding the immediate dismissal of Madan Dilawar, the implementation of a transparent transfer policy, and the immediate release of pending promotion and posting lists. Employees have warned that if their legitimate demands aren't met soon, the movement will expand from Jaipur to a statewide lockout and work boycott in schools.