Bhopal. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress stalwart and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has sent a formal plea to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, requesting an expansion of the ongoing Class‑2 and Class‑3 teacher recruitment drive.
Letter flags a severe teacher shortage
In a correspondence dated 29 September, Gandhi highlighted the persistent dearth of teachers in state‑run schools – a problem he heard echoed by job‑seekers during his recent event in Indore. He cited official figures that show more than one lakh teaching positions across the state remain vacant, a shortfall he says is hampering student achievement.
Current recruitment numbers fall far short
The 2025 hiring round has announced 13,089 openings for Class‑3 teachers and 10,800 for Class‑2 teachers. Gandhi argued that these figures are grossly inadequate given the magnitude of the backlog, urging the government to raise the quotas to match actual demand.
Candidates await permanent posts
A large pool of aspirants who have cleared the selection exams are still in limbo because the allotted slots are limited. Gandhi also drew attention to guest teachers already serving in classrooms, who are waiting for regularised positions. Some candidates are nearing the upper age ceiling while their future remains uncertain.
Protests and notices have intensified
Teacher‑trainee hopefuls have resorted to protests and hunger strikes to press their demands. According to Gandhi, authorities have issued notices to several demonstrators instead of addressing their concerns. He appealed to the chief minister to withdraw those notices and open a constructive dialogue with the candidates’ representatives.
Demand for a second counselling round
Beyond expanding the Class‑2 and Class‑3 vacancies, Gandhi called for the immediate commencement of the second counselling phase. He maintains that prompt action on both fronts would strengthen the quality of government schools and secure stable employment for thousands of qualified teachers.
