What decision Madhya Pradesh Govt took regarding vocational teachers? Will their jobs remain secure?
The jobs of approximately 6,000 outsourced vocational teachers working in Madhya Pradesh's government schools will remain secure, even as the companies providing vocational education services change.
The School Education Department has terminated agreements with 13 companies operating across various vocational trades and handed over the work to new firms. However, the new service provider companies have been instructed to retain the trainers already working in the schools; the teachers will continue in their current positions.
This decision follows concerns raised by vocational trainers regarding job security and alleged issues with recruitment and salary payments. More than 50 companies are involved in providing vocational education services in the state. About two months ago, trainers staged a two-day protest in Bhopal, which included a demonstration at Ambedkar Park and a protest outside the Directorate of Public Instructions (DPI).
The department has now directed District Education Officers to ensure that the existing trainers continue their work.
However, this decision has also raised questions regarding outstanding salaries. Reportedly, some trainers have not received their pay for four to five months. With new companies taking over operations in additional schools, trainers and their associations are seeking clarity on who will clear the pending payments.
Representatives of the vocational teachers have welcomed the job security provision but emphasized that the government must also ensure timely salary payments. A proposal for another protest on October 10 has been made if their concerns remain unaddressed.