Rajasthan Assembly Sees Heated Exchange Over Teacher Transfers
A sharp and contentious debate unfolded in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly on Friday, with Education Minister Madan Dilawar and Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully engaging in a fiery exchange over the long-pending issue of Grade-III teacher transfers. The confrontation underscored the growing political and administrative tensions surrounding the state's education sector.
Minister Clarifies Current Transfer Rules and Policy Status
Responding to a question raised by BJP MLA Govind Prasad, Education Minister Madan Dilawar provided a detailed explanation of the existing framework. He stated unequivocally that under the current rules, there is no provision for inter-district transfers of Grade-III teachers, and such transfers are not ordinarily permissible.
"The state government is actively in the process of formulating a comprehensive and clear transfer policy," Dilawar informed the House. "Once this transfer policy is finalised, the specific matter of Grade-III teacher transfers will be examined and addressed accordingly."
The minister further elaborated that the Administrative Reforms Department has imposed a general ban on transfers across all government departments. However, he noted an exception: in cases involving urgent departmental requirements, transfers may be executed after obtaining explicit approval from the competent authority. Dilawar pointed to the transfers of Grade-III teachers that occurred on August 14, 2024, as an example, confirming they were carried out only after securing such necessary approvals.
Historical Context and Opposition's Accusations
Reflecting on past practices, Minister Dilawar referenced the year 2018, when inter-district transfers were conducted by the then-government by establishing a cut-off date, despite the absence of a specific legal provision. "The previous administration adopted a special mechanism at that time," he said. "Our government's transfer policy is currently under development. Future decisions will be based on this policy once it is completed."
Leader of the Opposition Tikaram Jully strongly objected to the minister's statements, accusing the government of creating widespread confusion and anxiety among the teaching community. "The minister claims there is no provision for transfers. Is this government deliberately misleading Grade-III teachers?" Jully questioned forcefully.
He reminded the Assembly that the ruling BJP had explicitly promised in its election manifesto to frame a transparent and fair transfer policy. "More than two years of this government's tenure have already passed. When will this transfer policy finally be finalised? When will our teachers receive the clarity and certainty they desperately need?" Jully demanded, highlighting the prolonged delay.
Mounting Pressure and Broader Implications
The intense exchange between the minister and the opposition leader has brought into sharp focus the mounting political and administrative pressure on the Rajasthan government to expedite the formulation of its transfer policy. The ongoing uncertainty over Grade-III teacher transfers continues to be a significant concern for education staff across the entire state, affecting morale and operational stability within schools.
This assembly clash not only reflects the immediate political friction but also underscores deeper systemic issues in Rajasthan's education governance. The delay in policy finalisation is seen as a critical bottleneck, with teachers awaiting clear guidelines for their professional mobility and career progression. The government's next steps on this policy will be closely watched by all stakeholders in the state's educational landscape.
