New Teachers in Bhopal Wait for Full Salaries

Thousands of newly appointed teachers in Madhya Pradesh are facing financial difficulties as they continue to receive less than their expected salaries, with monthly payments falling short by Rs 11,000 to Rs 16,000. These teachers, recruited after the 2018-19 academic year, have initiated online protests to demand the full base salary they believe they are entitled to. According to existing regulations, new employees were supposed to receive 70% of their salary in their first year and 100% from the second year onward. However, a policy change introduced by the Congress-led government in 2019 altered this structure, staggering salary payments to 70% in the first year, 80% in the second, and 90% in the third. The subsequent BJP government revised the policy, promising full salaries from the second year, yet many teachers report still receiving only 70% after more than two years of service. During a training program in April 2023, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated the commitment to full salary payments starting from the second year. Ranjit Gour, president of the Newly Appointed Teachers’ Association, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that teachers have reached out to both current and former chief ministers via social media to voice their concerns. He warned that if their demands for full salary payment and a reduction in the probation period are not addressed soon, a state-level protest may be organized. Currently, Grade 3 teachers, who were appointed with a base salary of Rs 25,300, are receiving only 70% of this amount, totaling Rs 26,152 when including allowances. This is significantly lower than the expected Rs 37,233, leading to a monthly shortfall of Rs 11,081.