Shimla, April 26— The Himachal Pradesh government and the Primary Teachers Federation (PTF) are locked in a standoff over the creation of a unified Directorate of School Education, with both sides escalating their positions ahead of a planned protest in Shimla on Saturday.
The PTF has announced a demonstration against the government’s move, claiming the decision was made without consulting stakeholders and would harm the quality of education.
“The Directorate of School Education has been created without consultation with the stakeholders, and it will affect the standard of education,” said Jagdish Sharma, president of the PTF.
He added that the protest call would not be withdrawn.
In response, Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar issued a stern directive to the federation, warning that disciplinary action would follow if office-bearers proceeded with the protest.
“Desist from indulging in any demonstration or agitation, failing which a suitable disciplinary action will be initiated against you along with all protesting teachers,” Kanwar stated in an official communication.
The new directorate consolidates responsibilities from pre-primary to Class XII under a single structure, replacing the earlier system where a separate Directorate of Elementary Education managed primary and upper-primary classes.
Government officials maintained that the restructuring serves the best interests of students, teachers, and the broader education system.
“The department and the government have demonstrated their commitment to addressing legitimate demands of teachers through established administrative and consultative channels,” the order read, adding that the merger would not affect promotions or existing posts.
However, Sharma disputed the government’s assurances, arguing that the promotional avenues of teachers would be hit if the structure of elementary education was altered.
“Promotional opportunities will be affected, and the change undermines the existing framework that protected teachers’ career growth,” he said.
The government order further described the protest call as detrimental to the interests of students and damaging to the reputation of both the institution and the government.
“The protest appears to be an attempt to coerce or blackmail the government, which amounts to grave misconduct and is liable for disciplinary action,” the order stated.
As tensions build, all eyes are on Shimla, where the PTF plans to go ahead with its protest despite the government’s warnings.
