Guest teachers devastated by DPI's relieving order amid vacancies in Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) issued an order detailing new procedures for the relieving of guest teachers. This order has caused significant distress among guest teachers, who find the guidelines unclear, as it does not specify who will remain employed and who will be let go. Many, like Satish Bhargava, a Hindi teacher with 13 years of experience, now face unemployment with no prospects other than offering private tuitions. The situation has resulted in mental anguish for teachers trying to support their families. Other educators, such as Ajeet Ahirwar from Guna, reported similar experiences of being relieved and rehired multiple times without clarity or proper reasoning. Additionally, the order has caused confusion and fear regarding job security among the teaching community. Amid the uncertainty, guest teachers are considering protests to demand accountability and clarity from the DPI. Furthermore, the higher education sector in the state is also facing challenges, with over 35,000 vacancies for higher secondary teachers. A recent viral video of teacher Suman Ahirwar expressing her desperation has highlighted the increasing frustration among waiting-list teachers. The Association of Guest Teachers is working with political leaders to bring attention to these issues and potentially organize mass protests as a means to pressurize the government into addressing their demands.