Editor,
I write to express deep concern about a troubling development that threatens to undermine our state’s promising education reform initiative, ‘Mission Shikshit Arunachal by 2029’.
While we should celebrate Education Minister PD Sona’s visionary three-year roadmap to transform our education system through improved infrastructure, governance, and teacher capacity building, we cannot ignore a glaring problem that demands immediate attention.
Despite official transfer orders and repeated appeals from the minister himself, numerous teachers are blatantly refusing to report to their designated postings. These educators, often backed by political connections and armed with flimsy excuses, are choosing personal convenience over professional duty. This defiance directly contradicts the spirit of public service and makes a mockery of administrative authority.
What makes this situation even more frustrating is the stark contrast with thousands of qualified, unemployed teacher aspirants across our state. These young professionals are not only willing but eager to serve in every corner of Arunachal Pradesh – from the remotest villages to urban centres. They represent the future of our education system, yet they remain sidelined while non-compliant teachers continue drawing salaries without fulfilling their obligations.
This is nothing short of misuse of public funds. Why should the government treasury continue financing the salaries of teachers who refuse to do their jobs? Why should merit and dedication take a backseat to political influence and personal preferences?
I urge the Education Ministry to take decisive action. Invoke appropriate provisions under conduct rules and relevant service regulations to address non-compliance with transfer orders. If teachers remain unwilling to perform their assigned duties, they should be relieved from service to create fresh vacancies. The existing framework provides adequate mechanisms for dealing with such situations. These resulting vacancies should then be advertised in the upcoming PGT and TGT examinations to provide opportunities for to unemployed but qualified youths.
Send a clear message that public service means serving the public, not personal interests.
The success of ‘Mission Shikshit Arunachal by 2029’ depends on having committed educators who understand that teaching is a calling, not just a job. Our children deserve teachers who are willing to go wherever they’re needed, not those who pick and choose their postings like items from a menu.
I also call upon all unemployed teacher aspirants and concerned citizens to raise their voice against this injustice. We must stand united for transparency, accountability, and fairness in our education system. Our silence only enables this culture of impunity.
Concerned citizen