Skip to main content

Protesting educators in Delhi, Gujarat detained by police on Teachers' Day

By A Representative 
In a statement that highlights ongoing concerns about Indian democracy and the perceived disregard for education, the Federation of Central University Teachers Associations (FEDCUTA) has condemned the Delhi Police's decision to prevent teachers and students from marching from Mandi House to Jantar Mantar. The march was organized in protest against the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its detrimental effects on education. 
"On a day dedicated to honoring teachers, senior educators and students were forcibly detained by law enforcement to suppress their protest," FEDCUTA declared. The federation emphasized that this incident underscores the challenges faced by educators in voicing their dissent against government policies threatening the integrity of public education. 
Among those detained were FEDCUTA President Moushumi Basu and past leaders Nandita Narain, DK Lobiyal, and Rajib Ray, who reported being apprehended before participants had fully gathered. "The actions of the Delhi Police validate the motives behind the Teacher-Student Unity March on Teachers' Day, promoting solidarity among those dedicated to education and opposing the erosion of the nation’s future through the degradation of high-quality public education accessible to all," FEDCUTA stated. 
In a related development, the All-India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) reported similar detentions in Gujarat on September 5, which is marked as Teachers' Day in memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Several teachers advocating for permanent employment were arrested by Gujarat police amid ongoing protests for permanent recruitment, which has not taken place since 2018. 
Despite passing the Teacher Eligibility Test-Teacher Aptitude Test (TET-TAT), these prospective educators attempted to voice their concerns to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister in Gandhinagar but were met with resistance from law enforcement. AIDSO spokesperson Rimmi Vaghela expressed outrage, stating, "The detention of aspiring teachers on Teachers' Day is a disgrace to the education sector." 
The organization has highlighted that the current education framework in Gujarat predominantly relies on contract-based teachers, known as Gyansahayaks, rather than providing stable, permanent positions.

Comments

TRENDING

Swami Vivekananda's views on caste and sexuality were 'painfully' regressive

By Bhaskar Sur* Swami Vivekananda now belongs more to the modern Hindu mythology than reality. It makes a daunting job to discover the real human being who knew unemployment, humiliation of losing a teaching job for 'incompetence', longed in vain for the bliss of a happy conjugal life only to suffer the consequent frustration.

Hoping against despair after Myanmar President’s visit to India

By Nava Thakuria  Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day official visit to India from 30 May to 3 June 2026 drew attention both in New Delhi and in India’s northeastern region, where policymakers and residents closely follow developments in the neighbouring country. The visit was significant because it touched on several issues of mutual concern, including security cooperation, border management, connectivity projects, trade, and regional stability.

Beyond data: The economist who refused to remain in the ivory tower

By Vikas Meshram   There are few people who are born into privilege yet choose to dedicate their lives to the cause of the poor. Jean Drèze is one such individual. Born on January 22, 1959, in Leuven, Belgium, into the family of a distinguished economist, Drèze has become one of the most influential voices in the study of poverty, inequality, and social policy in India. Having lived in India since 1979, he adopted Indian citizenship in 2002 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping some of the country's most important welfare initiatives.