Teachers' rationalisation sparks uproar: Allegations of irregularities, gender bias & misconduct in Chhattisgarh's Surajpur

RAIPUR: The ongoing rationalisation process for teachers in Surajpur district has triggered widespread outrage, with allegations of serious irregularities, rule violations, and arbitrary decisions.

The Shikshak Sajha Manch, Surajpur, has submitted a memorandum, along with supporting documents, to the District Collector, Member of Parliament, and Member of Legislative Assembly, demanding a high-level inquiry and action against those responsible.Teachers allege a severe lack of transparency in the process, claiming that rules were ignored and educators were declared surplus without justification. The seniority list was reportedly withheld during counselling, resulting in unfair treatment of senior teachers.

There was no provision for claims or objections, and many were declared surplus without valid reasons. Senior teachers were posted to remote schools because the seniority list was not shown during the counselling process.Concerns were also raised about the rushed notification for counselling. A list was circulated on social media on 31 May, with counselling scheduled for the morning of 1 June. This short notice allegedly prevented many teachers from attending.

Allegations of discrimination against women teachers have also surfaced. It is claimed that 37 women were denied appointments for nine vacant posts, which were later filled by male teachers. Arbitrary postings were made even when no vacancies existed. In several schools, new lecturers of the same subject were forcibly posted where a lecturer was already present, causing a fresh surplus. Nearby vacancies were allegedly hidden, forcing women teachers to accept postings in remote rural areas, even though closer schools had openings.The education department's assurance of a second opportunity on 3 June for absent teachers was reportedly not honoured. Teachers who turned up on that date claim they were scolded and turned away by the District Education Officer (DEO).Retiring teachers and cluster coordinators also faced injustice. Coordinators were declared surplus, even though their counterparts in Surguja district were exempt. Teachers due to retire within six months were allegedly not given any relief.Serious allegations have also been made against the DEO, accusing her of rude and undignified behaviour towards teachers and staff. Reports of misconduct are frequently discussed. It is alleged that her "dictatorial" attitude was clear when an order dated 4 June was issued on the evening of 6 June. Yet by the afternoon of 6 June, information about releasing teachers from their duties by 7 June was demanded from all blocks, with a 4 pm deadline.

This caused panic, especially as the next two days were holidays, leaving teachers with only three days to report to their new postings, leading to confusion and stress.Those present during the submission of the memorandum included Sachin Tripathi, Yaduvendra Dubey, Bhupesh Singh, and others.