Sendhwa MLA Montu Solanki was stopped by police at his office for around one-and-a-half hours on Friday while he was preparing to join a protest in Niwali, Barwani district. The legislator was accompanied by more than 300 supporters and was heading to the ongoing agitation demanding action against Block Education Officer (BEO) Manoj Marathe.

After discussions with administrative and police officials, and in the absence of a written order regarding the officer, Solanki eventually left for Niwali along with his supporters.

Protest Against BEO Continues

The agitation in Niwali has been continuing for the past four days. Members of the Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) organisation have been demanding the removal and suspension of BEO Manoj Marathe.

According to the allegations raised by protesters, a criminal case has been registered against Marathe at Sendhwa Rural Police Station and he has also been accused of abetting a teacher's suicide.

Solanki was scheduled to join the protest and demanded that the BEO's financial powers be withdrawn immediately and that he be suspended pending further action.

MLA Stopped at Office

As Solanki prepared to travel to Niwali, police personnel stopped him at his office. The MLA remained there for approximately 90 minutes while discussions were held with officials.

Sendhwa SDOP Ajay Waghmare reportedly met Solanki and discussed the situation. Police and administrative officials gave an oral assurance that action would be considered against the BEO.

However, no written suspension order was presented to the MLA during the discussions.

Written Order Remains Key Demand

After waiting for around one-and-a-half hours, Solanki decided to proceed to Niwali with his supporters.

The MLA has maintained that a verbal assurance is not sufficient and has sought concrete action against Marathe. His demand includes immediate withdrawal of the BEO's financial powers and suspension from the post.

The ongoing dispute has also brought the administration's handling of the allegations against the education official under scrutiny.

MLA Warns of Stronger Agitation

Solanki alleged that the officer facing criminal allegations was being protected by the government and administration.

He warned that the agitation would be intensified if authorities failed to take prompt action or attempted to suppress the protest.

The MLA said the responsibility for any escalation would rest with the administration.

Protest Now in Focus

With Solanki reaching Niwali with more than 300 supporters, the situation is expected to remain closely watched. The protesters are continuing to press for written action against the BEO rather than relying solely on assurances from officials.

The administration's next step on the suspension demand is likely to determine whether the protest is withdrawn or expanded.

 The Chhattisgarh government's decision to implement a digital attendance system through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) app for school teachers has triggered strong opposition from teacher organisations across the state. The new system, which links attendance records with salary payments, has drawn criticism over alleged technical glitches, inaccurate location tracking and poor network connectivity, particularly in remote areas.

Teacher associations have warned of a statewide protest on August 7 if the government proceeds with salary deductions based solely on the app's attendance records.

Attendance Now Linked to Salary

Under the new arrangement introduced by the School Education Department, teachers are required to punch in upon reaching school and punch out at the end of the working day using the VSK mobile application.

The department has clarified that salary payments will be processed based on the digital attendance recorded through the app. Failure to register attendance or complete check-in and check-out on time could affect salary disbursement.

Teachers Raise Technical Concerns

The digital attendance system has come under scrutiny after teachers alleged that the application frequently records incorrect GPS locations and inaccurate timings.

According to teacher organisations, many schools, especially those located in rural and forested regions, continue to face weak internet connectivity, making it difficult to mark attendance consistently.

A video circulating on social media reportedly shows teachers in Koylibeda block of Kanker district crossing a flooded river by boat to reach school, highlighting the practical challenges faced in remote areas.

Organisations Question Reliability of App

The Chhattisgarh Teachers Association and the Chhattisgarh School Teachers' Union have jointly questioned the reliability of the VSK application.

State President Sanjay Sharma of the Chhattisgarh Teachers Association and State President Virendra Dubey of the Chhattisgarh School Teachers' Union said teachers are regularly attending schools and conducting classes, but technical issues prevent their attendance from being properly recorded.

They argued that teachers should not be penalised for faults in the digital system.

GPS and Network Issues Reported

Teacher groups have highlighted several technical problems with the application, including:

• Incorrect GPS location tracking.

• Poor mobile network connectivity in rural schools.

• Server-related issues.

• Login failures.

• App crashes and hanging.

• Incorrect check-in and check-out timings.

• Operational difficulties in schools functioning in two shifts.

Teachers also shared screenshots alleging that the application displayed check-in status even during scheduled check-out hours.

Attendance Figures Questioned

The School Education Department has claimed that around 83 percent of teachers are successfully recording attendance through the VSK app.

However, teacher organisations questioned the claim, arguing that recording attendance occasionally is different from maintaining complete attendance records throughout the month without interruptions.

They have asked the department whether it can certify that attendance for the entire working day—from morning reporting to evening departure—was successfully captured for 83 percent of teachers during July.

Demand for Manual Attendance Recognition

Teacher unions have demanded that the traditional attendance registers maintained by school principals and headmasters continue to be recognised until the VSK application functions reliably.

According to the organisations, if a teacher is physically present in school and has signed the attendance register, salary should not be withheld merely because the mobile application failed to record attendance due to technical reasons.

Call for Biometric System

The organisations have also suggested that if the government intends to implement a fully digital attendance mechanism, it should install biometric attendance machines in all schools instead of relying exclusively on a smartphone application.

They argue that biometric systems would be more reliable, particularly in areas with unstable internet connectivity.

Protest Planned on August 7

The Chhattisgarh Teachers Association has warned that it will stage demonstrations outside Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) offices across the state on August 7 if salaries are affected due to app-related issues.

Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh School Teachers' Union has stated that any punitive action against teachers could lead to larger protests, including demonstrations outside the Chief Minister's residence.

With teacher organisations demanding technical improvements and recognition of manual attendance records, the issue now rests with the School Education Department, which will have to balance administrative reforms with concerns raised by educators across the state.

Key dates
The Union Public Service Commission released the detailed notification (Special Advertisement No. 51/2026) on July 24, 2026. Online applications open July 25, 2026 and close August 14, 2026, through the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal. The Combined Recruitment Test is tentatively scheduled for November 1, 2026.

Vacancy breakdown
The recruitment covers 828 posts in total in the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi — 124 Principal posts and 704 Vice-Principal posts, filled through direct recruitment. Of these, 7 Principal posts and 28 Vice-Principal posts are reserved for candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD).

Eligibility
Both posts require a Master's Degree from a recognised university and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed). For Principal, candidates additionally need a minimum of 10 years of teaching experience as a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) or Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT), with a Doctorate degree and administrative experience considered desirable extras. For Vice-Principal, candidates need at least 2 years of experience as a PGT or 3 years as a TGT in a recognised school.

Age limit
Age is calculated as on August 14, 2026, and differs by post: Principal candidates must be between 35 and 50 years (relaxable up to 53 for OBC and 55 for SC/ST), while Vice-Principal candidates must be between 35 and 40 years (relaxable up to 38 for OBC and 40 for SC/ST).

Application fee
The fee is ₹25 for General, OBC and EWS male candidates, payable online. Fee exemptions typically apply for SC, ST, PwBD and women candidates as per standard UPSC norms — candidates should confirm exact exemption categories in the detailed notification.

Selection process
The process runs through shortlisting based on eligibility criteria (or a Recruitment Test, if UPSC decides to conduct one), followed by a Personal Interview for shortlisted candidates, and Document Verification to confirm educational qualifications, teaching experience, category certificates and other required documents before final appointment.

How to apply
Candidates need to complete a One-Time Registration on the UPSC Online Recruitment Application portal if applying for the first time, then log in, select Advertisement No. 51/2026, and complete the application form with personal, educational and experience details before the August 14 deadline.

What applicants should do now
Given the significant experience requirements attached to both posts, eligible teachers should have their teaching experience certificates, degree documents and B.Ed certification ready before starting the application, since incomplete experience verification is likely to be one of the more common reasons for rejection in a recruitment drive of this scale.

The second day of the Bihar Legislature's Monsoon Session witnessed intense political exchanges, with the Opposition protesting against the proposed panchayat tax collection in the Assembly, while the issue of drug abuse sparked a heated debate in the Legislative Council. The government also made key announcements on teacher recruitment, school infrastructure, and industrial development during the proceedings.

The Opposition created a ruckus in the Assembly after raising concerns that the proposed panchayat tax would impose an additional financial burden on poor families. Left legislators demanded a discussion on the proposed tax and the contingency fund, submitting an adjournment motion that was later rejected by the Speaker.

Following the rejection, Opposition MLAs entered the well of the House and staged a protest. Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar urged members to return to their seats, while Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary said the matter would be discussed when the relevant bill is introduced. He also invited the Opposition to bring amendment proposals during the legislative process, after which the protesting legislators returned to their seats.

Drug Abuse Issue Sparks Heated Debate

In the Legislative Council, RJD MLC Sunil Singh raised concerns over the increasing use of narcotic substances in Bihar. He alleged that marijuana and charas consumption had become common and claimed that drug use was visible even near religious places.

His remarks triggered strong objections from BJP members after he referred to temples and monasteries. A verbal exchange followed, adding to the tense atmosphere inside the House.

Sunil Singh also accused the state government of collecting higher taxes on petrol and diesel, alleging that Bihar was earning an additional ₹200 crore from fuel taxation.

Later in the day, BJP MLC Anamika Singh and RJD MLC Munni Rajak were involved in a heated argument outside the chamber of Leader of Opposition Rabri Devi over the same issue.

JD(U) MLA Questions Teacher Shortage

The government also faced criticism from within the ruling alliance. JD(U) MLA Shyam Rajak questioned the Education Department over the shortage of teachers in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar residential schools.

He claimed that nearly 62% of teaching positions remained vacant, raising concerns about the quality of education in these institutions.

Responding to the issue, Education Minister Lakhendra Kumar informed the House that 91 schools are currently operational with 1,290 teachers working against 2,406 sanctioned posts. He added that vacancies have been forwarded to the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) under the TRE-4 recruitment process.

When Rajak sought a clear timeline for appointments, the minister assured that recruitment would begin once BPSC completes the selection process.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary later intervened and directed the Education Department to ensure that teachers are appointed in the residential schools within one month.

Government Announces Major Education Initiatives

During Question Hour, the issue of inadequate school infrastructure was also discussed. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced that schools without land would be provided suitable land within the next six months.

Education Minister Lakhendra Kumar further announced that the state government plans to recruit one lakh teachers over the next five years, while proposals for the TRE-4 recruitment drive would be sent to the BPSC by the end of July.

Other Key Announcements

The government also announced plans to establish three new sugar mills, including in Gopalganj and Madhubani, to boost the state's agro-based economy.

Meanwhile, Opposition legislators staged demonstrations outside the Assembly before the session began, accusing the government of rising corruption, deteriorating law and order, and mishandling issues such as examination paper leaks.

With education, taxation, law and order, and governance dominating discussions, the second day of the Monsoon Session reflected both political confrontation and significant policy announcements that are expected to shape Bihar's administrative agenda in the coming months.

A major irregularity involving the disappearance of hundreds of bundles of government-issued textbooks has come to light in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district, triggering an official investigation and the registration of a criminal case. Authorities have reported that nearly 450 bundles of textbooks, intended for free distribution among students studying in government schools, were found missing from the warehouse of the Madhya Pradesh Textbook Corporation.

According to preliminary estimates, the missing books are valued at approximately ₹3.5 to ₹3.6 million (₹35–36 lakh). The discovery has raised serious concerns about the handling and distribution of educational materials supplied under the state's free textbook programme.

The matter came to light during a verification of stock at the warehouse after concerns were raised regarding irregularities in the distribution of textbooks to government schools. Officials found a significant mismatch between the physical stock and official records, prompting immediate action by the district administration.

Following the discovery, an First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Chorhata Police Station, and a detailed investigation was initiated. The case has attracted attention at both the district and state levels, leading to the deployment of a special team from Bhopal to examine the matter.

Officials stated that the investigation will focus on warehouse stock records, distribution registers, transport records, and other official documents to determine how such a large quantity of textbooks disappeared. Authorities are also expected to identify whether procedural lapses, negligence, or deliberate misconduct contributed to the incident.

The issue surfaced only a few days after reports emerged regarding irregularities in the distribution of textbooks meant for government schools. Taking note of these complaints, Rewa District Collector Narendra Suryavanshi reportedly directed officials to ensure immediate distribution of books and verify warehouse inventory. During the subsequent inspection, the shortage of hundreds of textbook bundles was detected.

Sources associated with the investigation indicated that several schools reportedly did not receive the textbooks allocated to them despite official records suggesting otherwise. At the same time, complaints were received alleging that government-issued textbooks had appeared in the open market, raising suspicions that books intended for free distribution may have been diverted through unauthorized channels.

Investigators are also examining another significant aspect of the case. During the stock verification, officials reportedly found certain textbooks stored in the warehouse that had already been marked as distributed or exhausted in official records. This discrepancy has prompted questions regarding the accuracy of inventory management and documentation maintained at the warehouse.

One line of inquiry is examining whether textbooks based on revised academic syllabi were returned to the warehouse after being officially shown as distributed, potentially to reconcile records through paperwork. However, authorities have clarified that these possibilities remain under investigation and no final conclusions have been reached.

Given the seriousness of the case, senior officials from Bhopal have reached Rewa to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. The investigation team is reviewing stock registers, distribution records, dispatch details, inventory logs, and other administrative documents to determine the sequence of events that led to the reported shortage.

Officials believe the ongoing inquiry may uncover additional irregularities related to textbook storage, transportation, and distribution. If evidence of financial irregularities or criminal misconduct emerges, further legal action may be initiated against those found responsible.

Police have confirmed that a criminal case has been registered based on the complaint received from the concerned authorities. According to Chorhata Police Station In-charge Pawan Shukla, approximately 450 bundles of textbooks valued at around ₹35–36 lakh were found missing from the warehouse. He stated that an FIR has been registered and a detailed investigation is currently underway.

Law enforcement authorities have emphasized that legal proceedings will continue based on the findings of the investigation. Officials have also indicated that all relevant documents and evidence will be examined before determining accountability.

The disappearance of textbooks has raised concerns because the books were intended for students studying in government schools under the state's free education programme. Any disruption in the timely supply of textbooks can directly affect classroom learning and academic progress, particularly for students who rely entirely on government-provided educational materials.

The case has also highlighted the importance of transparent inventory management and monitoring mechanisms within public distribution systems. Educational experts have stressed that regular audits, digital inventory tracking, and stronger accountability measures are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the textbooks and identify those responsible. The findings of the inquiry will play a crucial role in deciding future administrative and legal action while ensuring that educational resources reach the students for whom they were intended.

A shocking incident of corporate cruelty and substance abuse has surfaced at the Government Primary School in Ratibandar, under the Kesla block. Gopal Giri Goswami, a primary school teacher, arrived at the school premises in a heavily intoxicated state. According to institutional reports, Goswami demanded a biri (local leaf-rolled cigarette) from a young student. When the child refused, the teacher became violent, hurled his shoe at the student, and aggressively grabbed another child by the neck.

Villagers Create Uproar and Lock the School

Following the assault, frightened students narrated the ordeal to their parents. Enraged villagers quickly gathered at the school premises, where they found the teacher passed out on the classroom floor.

Community Escalation: The villagers recorded video footage of the unconscious teacher as irrefutable proof and forwarded it to the top brass of the education department. Local guardians confronted the teacher when he regained semi-consciousness, prompting an apology from Goswami. Out of protest, the villagers locked the school gates. Notably, the school only has two designated teachers; since the female teacher was away on approved leave, Goswami was the sole educator managing the facility.

Immediate Suspension and FIR Registered

Administrative and penal actions were initiated swiftly as the video clip gained heavy traction on social media:

• Departmental Suspension: Taking immediate note of the viral video and administrative feedback, the Assistant Commissioner officially suspended Gopal Giri Goswami for misconduct.

• Criminal Case: A formal complaint was filed by the villagers at the Kesla Police Station. The local police have registered a criminal case against the teacher for child abuse and public intoxication, commencing a formal probe.

The decisions were taken as part of the state's efforts to address faculty shortages and improve academic administration in higher education institutions. Officials said the measures are expected to enhance the quality of teaching and ensure smoother implementation of education reforms envisioned under the National Education Policy.

One of the most important announcements is the recruitment of 700 assistant professors for government colleges across the state. For several years, many institutions have been functioning with a shortage of permanent faculty members, relying heavily on guest lecturers and temporary arrangements. The proposed recruitment drive is expected to provide much-needed academic support and improve student-teacher ratios in colleges.

The government has also decided to fill the posts of regular principals in colleges. A large number of institutions have been operating under interim or additional-charge arrangements, affecting administrative efficiency and long-term planning. Education officials believe that the appointment of regular principals will strengthen institutional leadership and improve governance at the college level.

The expansion of the National Education Policy is another key component of the government's latest decisions. The policy aims to bring structural reforms in the education sector by promoting multidisciplinary learning, skill development, flexibility in academic programs and greater use of technology in teaching and learning processes.

According to officials, the expansion of NEP-related initiatives is intended to align higher education institutions in Chhattisgarh with national education goals. Colleges are expected to gradually adopt reforms related to curriculum design, credit systems, vocational education and student-focused learning models.

The government has also indicated that concerns raised by guest faculty members will be examined. Guest lecturers have repeatedly sought better service conditions and greater job security, arguing that they play a crucial role in maintaining academic activities in institutions facing faculty shortages. Officials said the demands of guest faculty members are under consideration, although no final decision has been announced yet.

Education experts have welcomed the recruitment proposal, noting that faculty shortages remain one of the biggest challenges facing higher education institutions in many states. The addition of permanent teaching staff is expected to improve classroom instruction, research activities and academic outcomes.

The move comes amid growing emphasis on strengthening state universities and colleges to meet rising enrolment levels and changing educational requirements. With increasing demand for higher education, institutions have been under pressure to improve infrastructure, faculty strength and academic quality.

Political observers also view the announcement as an important governance initiative, particularly because education remains a key public concern. Recruitment of teaching staff and administrative reforms in colleges are likely to benefit students across urban and rural areas of the state.

The Higher Education Department is expected to release detailed guidelines regarding the recruitment process and implementation roadmap in the coming months. Aspirants awaiting teaching opportunities in government colleges are likely to closely monitor further announcements.

With the latest decisions, the Chhattisgarh government has signalled its intent to strengthen higher education through faculty recruitment, administrative reforms and wider implementation of the National Education Policy. The success of these initiatives, however, will depend on timely execution and effective implementation at the institutional level.

The issue surfaced at Baidyapur Vidyapith, located in Kalna-II block of Purba Bardhaman, when newly admitted Class 11 students attempted to complete registration formalities through the state education portal. During the process, it was discovered that the institution was listed as a boys’ school, making the admissions of female students ineligible under the system.

The development has triggered concern among students, parents and school authorities, many of whom claim they were unaware of any such change in the school’s status.

According to school officials, Baidyapur Vidyapith has been admitting girls in higher secondary classes for nearly five decades. Although the institution primarily serves students from Classes 5 to 12, girls have reportedly been enrolling in Classes 11 and 12 since the mid-1970s.

The school currently has more than 1,700 students and has long been considered a co-educational institution by the local community. However, an administrative review reportedly found that the school had never received formal government approval to operate as a co-educational institution, despite functioning that way for years.

Following the discovery, admissions of around 120 girls who had already enrolled in Class 11 have been cancelled. The decision has created anxiety among affected families, particularly because the academic session is already underway.

School authorities said the issue does not affect girls currently studying in Class 12. Since they had already been registered under the previous system, they will be allowed to continue their studies and appear for their board examinations.

The controversy has also raised questions about administrative oversight. Officials at the school have indicated that they were not informed in advance about any change in the institution’s classification. Reports suggest that even local education administrators were initially unaware of how the status appeared on official records.

After learning of the cancellations, the school management approached district education authorities seeking immediate intervention. The institution has requested that its co-educational status be retained, at least for the current academic year, to protect the future of students who had already secured admission.

School representatives argue that the affected students joined the institution in good faith and should not suffer due to an administrative or regulatory dispute. Parents have echoed similar concerns, saying students now face uncertainty over where they will continue their education if the issue is not resolved quickly.

The case has sparked debate in the region, with many questioning how a school that had been admitting girls for decades could suddenly face restrictions without prior clarification. The matter has also highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate educational records and ensuring that institutional classifications are updated transparently.

Education department officials have not yet announced a final decision on the matter. As a result, the future of the affected Class 11 students remains unclear.

With admissions already cancelled and the new academic session progressing, families are now awaiting a response from authorities that could determine whether the students will be allowed to continue their studies at the school or be required to seek admission elsewhere.

Further developments are expected after district education officials review the school's representation and examine the institution’s regulatory status.

The Chhattisgarh education department has taken strict action against alleged forced sale practices by a private school in Bilaspur after a uniform and book shop operating near the campus was sealed during an inspection drive.

The action came after parents complained that they were being compelled to purchase school uniforms, books and study material only from a designated shop linked to the school management. Following the complaint, the district administration ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter. Officials from the education department conducted a surprise inspection on Friday and sealed the shop after allegedly finding school-tagged uniforms and books during the raid.

Parents Raise Complaints

According to officials, several parents approached the administration claiming that the school management was pressuring them to buy uniforms and educational material from a particular outlet located near the school premises. Parents alleged that they were not allowed to purchase uniforms or books from open markets despite high prices being charged at the designated shop.

The matter eventually reached Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal, who directed the district education department to conduct an immediate investigation into the allegations. The issue quickly turned into a major Public Interest Story in Bilaspur as parents demanded stricter monitoring of private schools operating in the district.

Raid Conducted By Officials

Following the collector’s instructions, District Education Officer Vijay Kumar Tande formed a special team to investigate the complaint. The inspection team included senior education department officials and administrative representatives. During the raid, the team inspected Sai Enterprises, a shop operating opposite the school campus in Vyapar Vihar area. Officials claimed they found uniforms carrying the school’s official tags along with books reportedly prescribed for students of the institution. After preliminary verification, the shop was sealed by the administration.

School Gets Notice

Following the action, the education department issued a formal notice to the school management seeking clarification regarding the alleged link with the shop. Officials stated that government guidelines clearly prohibit private schools from forcing parents to buy uniforms, books or stationery from any particular vendor. Authorities also warned that strict action could be initiated against institutions violating educational norms and commercial conduct rules. The department said further action would depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Network Under Scanner

During the inspection, officials reportedly called the shop operator for questioning. According to sources, the operator claimed the store had already been transferred to a person allegedly connected with the school administration. Documents examined during the inquiry reportedly supported parts of the claim, raising suspicion about indirect involvement of individuals associated with the institution. Investigators are now examining financial transactions and operational links connected to the shop. Officials believe the matter may involve a wider commercial arrangement designed to generate profits through compulsory purchases by parents.

Principal Denies Allegations

Reacting to the action, school principal Jitendra Hundal denied any direct involvement of the school in operating the sealed shop. He stated that the store was located outside the official school premises and claimed several other commercial establishments also functioned in the same area. The principal further said the school management had no role in deciding what products were sold in nearby shops. However, education department officials maintained that the investigation would continue based on available records and complaints received from parents.

Strict Rules In Place

Authorities said the state government has already issued clear regulations regarding sale of school books, uniforms and stationery items. Under existing norms, private schools cannot force parents to buy material from specific vendors. Schools are also not permitted to change uniforms frequently.

Officials said school uniforms generally cannot be changed before three years unless special approval is granted. The government has also mandated that only NCERT and SCERT books are allowed for Classes 1 to 8 in recognised institutions. Apart from this, annual fee hikes beyond prescribed limits are also subject to regulation.

Hundreds Of Schools Under Watch

Bilaspur district reportedly has around 562 private schools functioning under different boards and educational societies.v To monitor irregularities, the government has constituted district-level monitoring committees headed by collectors and district education officers.

Despite the regulations, complaints regarding arbitrary fee collection and forced purchases from selected vendors continue to emerge from different districts. Officials admitted that this was among the first major cases in Bilaspur where a shop was sealed in connection with alleged violations involving private school operations.

Jabalpur Authorities Crack Down on Heavy School Bags After DPI Order

The Directorate of Public Instruction has issued strict guidelines to the Jabalpur Collector and DEO, mandating that Class 1 bags must not exceed 1,078 grams.

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the health of young students, the Jabalpur district administration has initiated a crackdown on the weight of school bags. Following recent directives from the Child Protection Commission and the Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI), the District Collector and District Education Officer (DEO) have been tasked with the rigorous implementation of the National School Bag Policy across all educational institutions.

The DPI has established precise weight limits for students across various grades, highlighting that a Class 1 student’s bag should strictly weigh no more than 1,078 grams. Officials have warned that schools failing to adhere to these standards will face disciplinary action.

Health concerns trigger administrative action

The push for lighter school bags stems from growing concerns over the physical and mental well-being of children. According to the Child Protection Commission, carrying excessive weight leads to spinal issues, poor posture, and unnecessary mental stress at a developmental age.

"Several private schools continue to ignore established norms, forcing young children to carry heavy loads of textbooks and notebooks," the Commission noted in its letter to the Collector. The administration has been asked to ensure that no child is burdened beyond their physical capacity, particularly in the primary sections.

No bags for pre-primary sections

The new guidelines bring much-needed relief to the youngest learners. The DPI has explicitly stated that for pre-primary classes, school bags are not required at all. Schools are encouraged to adopt play-way methods where all learning material is kept within the classroom premises.

For higher classes, the weight limit increases gradually. For instance, while Class 2 bags are capped at 1,080 grams, the limit for Class 10 is set at 4,182 grams. Students in Class 11 and 12 are permitted bags weighing between 3.5 kg and 5 kg, depending on their stream and subjects.

DEO to lead school inspections

Additional Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and DPI, Nanda Bhalave, has already dispatched instructions to District Education Officers to conduct surprise inspections. These teams are expected to weigh student bags on-site and report discrepancies.

However, the timing of the report request has raised some eyebrows within the local academic circle. With summer vacations currently underway in many institutions, ground-level verification has become a logistical challenge. There are concerns that some schools might submit compliance reports without actual physical verification being conducted during this period.

Strict limits for every grade

The administration has released a detailed chart to help parents and teachers monitor bag weights. According to the official list:

• Class 3: 1,572 grams

• Class 5: 1,916 grams

• Class 8: 3,640 grams

• Class 9: 4,400 grams

Local authorities have hinted that once schools reopen fully after the break, a dedicated flying squad may be formed to ensure the National School Bag Policy isn't just on paper but followed in every classroom.

The road ahead for schools

The Jabalpur administration is now expected to hold meetings with school principals to discuss ways to reduce bag weight, such as using digital resources or providing lockers for heavy books. While government schools generally follow these norms, the focus remains on private English-medium schools where the number of workbooks often exceeds the prescribed limit.

Parents in Jabalpur have welcomed the move, noting that the culture of "carrying the whole library" to school needs to end to ensure children enjoy their learning process without physical strain.

Nine months and still waiting

More than ten thousand selected teacher candidates in Madhya Pradesh have run out of patience. It has been roughly nine months since the merit list for secondary and primary school teachers was released. But appointment letters? Still not issued.

On Wednesday, a substantial crowd of these aspirants gathered outside the Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) in Bhopal. Under a harsh summer sun, they staged a sit-in demonstration, demanding that the recruitment process be completed without further delays. Officials from the directorate watched from behind barricades as the protest swelled through the afternoon.

Selection list out, no joining in sight

The recruitment process began back in 2022. Eligibility tests were held in 2023, followed by the selection examination in April 2025. After a drawn-out procedure, the results were declared in September 2025, and the final selection list was published. That was nearly three fiscal quarters ago.

According to the candidates, the examination conduct rulebook – specifically section 3.28 – makes it mandatory to issue appointment orders within three months of releasing the selection list. That deadline passed long ago. “We have crossed eight, almost nine months now,” said a candidate from Vidisha, declining to be named. “There is no court stay. No legal hurdle. So why are we still waiting?”

‘Broken promises and endless assurances’

This isn’t the first time these candidates have taken to the streets. Between November 2025 and April 2026, aspirants made multiple trips to Bhopal, meeting departmental officers. Each time, they were sent back with verbal assurances. In March, officials reportedly said choice filing would begin soon. Then came word that joining might start in April. Neither happened.

The candidates’ core demand is simple: release the eligibility lists, complete the choice filing process, and issue appointment orders. “We are not asking for anything extra. Just what is already written in the rulebook,” said Dheerendra Chaurasia, one of the aspirants who has been following the matter closely.

Over 10,700 lives caught in limbo

The numbers tell a grim story. Nearly 10,700 selected candidates are directly affected. Many belong to farming families. Some run small tuition centres to make ends meet. A few have been surviving on odd jobs while waiting for this government job to materialise.

The new academic session began in April 2026 – but these teachers aren’t inside classrooms. Candidates point out that reports have repeatedly highlighted a severe shortage of teachers across the state. According to recent official data, nearly 1,895 schools in Madhya Pradesh do not have a single teacher on staff. Another 29,116 schools face a cumulative shortage of approximately 99,682 teachers. Rural areas are the worst hit, with only about 70 per cent of sanctioned posts filled.

“If schools are running without teachers, why delay our appointments?” asked Vivek Tiwari from Chhatarpur. His voice carried the weight of years. He said many selected candidates are now past 40 years of age. Personal lives are on hold – marriages, family planning, all deferred. “Some parents passed away waiting for their children to get this job. That is not an exaggeration. That is what has happened.”

What next? Agitation to escalate

Sources familiar with the matter said the DPI has acknowledged receipt of the memorandum submitted by the protesting group. However, no official statement or timeline has been issued yet.

Dinesh Thakur from Indore said all formalities – document verification, eligibility checks – are complete for most candidates. “The portal shows no update. We were told March, then April. Now April is also over. What do we tell our families?”

The candidates have made their position clear. If appointment orders are not issued within a reasonable timeframe now, they will scale up the agitation. “We have waited nine months. We cannot wait nine more,” said another protester as the evening crowd began to disperse. Bhopal’s police presence remained light, and no untoward incident was reported. But the simmering anger among these ten thousand aspirants is unlikely to fade unless the education department acts – and fast.