Buxar: Nearly 490 government school teachers in the Buxar district have expressed strong dissatisfaction after being nominated for a five-day training program scheduled from June 1 to June 5. The training, organized through the e-Shiksha Kosh portal of the education department, is set to take place at DIET and CTE, Dumraon. The program is being conducted by District Programme Officer (SSA) Chandan Dwivedi under the directives of SCERT, Patna. However, the dates coincide with the officially declared summer vacation period, which runs from June 1 to June 21, leading to widespread resentment among the teaching community.
Teachers Voice Concerns Over Timing
Many teachers have objected to the timing, stating that compulsory training during the vacation disrupts their personal schedules and defeats the purpose of the break. A government school teacher, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Summer vacation is meant for rest, family responsibilities, and personal work. Conducting mandatory training during this period is unfair." Another teacher, Savita Singh, echoed similar sentiments: "We are always willing to participate in professional development programs, but these should be conducted during regular working days, not during officially declared holidays." Several teachers emphasized that while training is essential for improving classroom teaching, it should not come at the cost of their legitimate vacation period.
Education Department's Defense
Education department officials defended the decision, stating that the training aims to strengthen teaching skills and enhance academic quality in government schools. They added that the program primarily targets teachers who could not attend earlier sessions due to census duties and other official assignments during the 2025-26 academic session. Officials believe that the training is crucial for improving educational outcomes and must be conducted despite the vacation timing.
Appeal to State Education Minister
In response to the discontent, teachers across the district have appealed to state education minister Mithilesh Kumar Tiwari to intervene in the matter. The minister acknowledged the concerns and stated that he would discuss the issue with concerned officials. Ajeet Pal Singh, district secretary of Buxar Zila Madhyamik Shikshak Sangh, expressed hope: "Teachers in Buxar are hopeful that the department will take note of their grievances and adopt a more convenient schedule for such programs."
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between professional development requirements and teachers' rights to a designated break. Many teachers argue that the training could be rescheduled after schools reopen, allowing them to fully utilize the vacation for rest and personal commitments. Meanwhile, the education department remains firm on the necessity of the program, leaving the matter unresolved pending the minister's intervention.
