Raipur: The agitation by D.Ed. (Diploma in Education) candidates, demanding the filling of 2,300 assistant teacher posts in Chhattisgarh, has intensified. On Thursday morning, a large number of candidates, accompanied by their family members, arrived at the Raipur residence of Education Minister Gajendra Yadav and staged a sit-in (dharna) on the premises. The candidates are demanding that the recruitment process for these 2,300 vacant posts be completed promptly and that a specific date be announced for the same.
According to reports, the D.Ed. candidates have been protesting for 321 days, demanding their appointments. Frustrated by the long delay in meeting their demands, the candidates gathered at the Education Minister’s residence to stage a demonstration. Upon receiving information about the incident, police forces and administrative officials arrived at the scene. Officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), attempted to persuade the candidates to disperse.
It is reported that Education Minister Gajendra Yadav was not present at his residence during the protest. The administration subsequently removed the candidates from the site. According to Arang SDM Ravi Singh, the candidates had entered the premises in violation of regulations. They have been moved from the location and are being transported to Raipur by bus. Further action will be taken in accordance with the law.
Waiting for appointments despite court orders
This entire matter pertains to the 2023 assistant teacher recruitment process. The D.Ed. candidates state that following the cancellation of the appointments of B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) candidates, the resulting vacancies should have been filled by eligible D.Ed. candidates; however, the process remains incomplete.
The candidates claim that, despite directives from the Supreme Court and the Chhattisgarh High Court, they have yet to receive their appointments. They are demanding the completion of the recruitment process for the 2,300 assistant teacher posts in compliance with these court orders.
Agitation ongoing for 321 days
Over the past 321 days, the candidates have submitted multiple memoranda to the administration and the relevant departments, pressing for their appointments. To highlight their demands, they have also organized candle marches, silent sit-ins, dandvat yatra (protest marches involving prostration), and various other forms of symbolic protest. Despite this, candidates are frustrated because the recruitment process has not been completed.
The candidates’ primary demand is that the 2300 vacant assistant teacher positions be filled promptly and that the government announce a clear timeline for this.
