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.

Madhya Pradesh took another step towards strengthening school education on Sunday with the inauguration of three newly constructed Sandipani Schools in Agar Malwa district. Built at a combined cost of ₹111.40 crore, the schools are located in Agar, Susner and Nalkheda and are aimed at providing modern educational infrastructure to students.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Sandipani School campus in Agar, where Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister and district in-charge minister Nagar Singh Chauhan formally dedicated the new school buildings to the public.

200 More Sandipani Schools Planned

Addressing the gathering, Chauhan said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, is working to modernise the education system across Madhya Pradesh.

He announced that the government plans to establish 200 additional Sandipani Schools across the state in the coming years to expand access to quality education and strengthen academic infrastructure.

Schools Inaugurated Through Hybrid Ceremony

The programme began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. The minister inaugurated the Agar school on-site, while the Sandipani Schools at Susner and Nalkheda were inaugurated virtually through remote connectivity.

Following the inauguration, Chauhan toured the Agar campus and inspected its facilities, including smart classrooms, laboratories and other academic infrastructure developed as part of the project.

Meritorious Students, Teachers Honoured

The event also featured cultural performances by students, adding to the celebrations.

During the programme, meritorious students who excelled in the recent board examinations—including Rachna, Khushi, Sanjana and Rani—were felicitated for their academic achievements.

Principals of schools that recorded 100 per cent examination results, along with teachers recognised for outstanding performance, were honoured with shawls, mementoes and certificates of appreciation.

MLA Seeks Medical College

Local MLA Madhav Singh Gehlot urged the state government to consider establishing a new medical college in Agar and requested the in-charge minister to place the proposal before the state cabinet.

Encouraging students to strive for academic excellence, Gehlot also announced that students securing 99 per cent or more marks in the upcoming board examinations would be personally taken to Bhopal to meet Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.

The newly inaugurated Sandipani Schools are expected to enhance educational opportunities in the district by providing modern learning facilities and improved academic infrastructure.

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.

The large-scale transformation is being carried out through multiple state and central initiatives, including the PM SHRI scheme and infrastructure development programmes aimed at improving learning outcomes and increasing enrolment in government schools. Officials say the focus is not only on constructing new buildings but also on creating student-friendly campuses equipped with modern educational resources.

Across the state, schools are being equipped with smart classrooms, science laboratories, digital libraries, computer facilities and upgraded sports infrastructure. The government has also prioritised the construction of separate toilets for girls and boys, access to safe drinking water, better electricity supply and improved classroom furniture to create a more conducive learning environment.

Authorities believe these improvements are helping change public perception of government schools, which have traditionally faced challenges related to infrastructure and student enrolment. The emphasis has shifted from providing only basic facilities to creating campuses that can compete with private institutions in terms of learning resources and overall educational experience.

The expansion is part of Uttar Pradesh's wider education reforms, with thousands of schools undergoing renovation or receiving additional facilities in phases. Under the PM SHRI initiative, selected schools are being developed as model institutions featuring technology-enabled classrooms, activity-based learning spaces and facilities designed to support holistic education.

State officials have also highlighted the importance of integrating digital education into classrooms. Smart boards, audio-visual teaching tools and internet-enabled learning resources are expected to make lessons more interactive while improving students' access to modern educational content.

Apart from classroom upgrades, special attention is being given to campus safety and accessibility. Boundary walls, playgrounds, ramps for differently-abled students and landscaped school premises are being developed to ensure a more inclusive and secure environment for children.

The infrastructure drive is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages experiential learning, technology integration and improved school infrastructure. Officials believe modern facilities will help reduce dropout rates while encouraging parents to choose government schools for quality education.

Education experts have long argued that physical infrastructure plays a significant role in improving attendance and learning outcomes. Better classrooms, sanitation facilities and digital resources are considered essential for creating an environment where students can participate more actively in academic and extracurricular activities.

The Uttar Pradesh government has maintained that investment in school infrastructure remains one of its key priorities as it seeks to improve educational standards across urban and rural areas. Along with modern facilities, emphasis is also being placed on teacher training, digital literacy and skill-based learning to prepare students for future academic and professional opportunities.

With thousands of students expected to benefit from the ongoing upgrades, the state's education department hopes the transformation will strengthen confidence in the government school system and contribute to long-term improvements in learning quality. The modernisation programme is expected to continue in phases as additional schools are brought under various infrastructure development initiatives in the coming months.

The Chhattisgarh government has announced major reforms in the state's school education system under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing a minimum age of six years for admission to Class 1 and revising the academic calendar from the 2027 session.

The School Education Department has directed all District Education Officers to implement the new admission norms from the next academic cycle. Under the revised system, schools across the state will begin the academic session on April 1, replacing the existing schedule of reopening on June 16.

Officials said the changes are aimed at improving learning outcomes, ensuring timely completion of the syllabus and aligning the state's academic calendar with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Class 1 Admission Age Revised

As per the new guidelines, children seeking admission to Class 1 must be at least six years old.

However, the government has provided a relaxation of up to three months. Children who do not complete six years of age by April 1 but attain the required age by July 1 will be eligible for admission under the relaxation provision.

The revised age criterion will apply uniformly to government, private and government-aided schools, including admissions made under the 25% reservation quota mandated by the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Academic Session to Begin in April

The state government has also approved a new academic calendar under which the school session will run from April 1 to March 31 each year.

Admissions, along with the distribution of textbooks, uniforms and bicycles under various government schemes, will be completed during April. Students will then observe the annual summer vacation from May 1 to June 15, after which regular academic activities will resume.

According to the School Education Department, the revised calendar is expected to provide schools with additional teaching days and reduce disruptions caused by delayed admissions and the distribution of educational materials after schools reopen.

Alignment with CBSE Pattern

Officials said one of the primary objectives of the reform is to synchronise the Chhattisgarh Board's academic calendar with that of CBSE schools.

At present, CBSE institutions begin classes in April, while state-board schools typically reopen in the middle of June, creating a gap of nearly two-and-a-half months.

The government believes that bringing both systems onto a similar schedule will improve curriculum planning, strengthen board examination preparation and help students competing for national-level entrance examinations.

Who Will Be Exempt?

The revised age rule will not apply to children who have already completed pre-primary education (Kindergarten) in a recognised school and are progressing to Class 1.

Such students will continue to receive admission based on the date of birth recorded in their transfer certificate, marksheet or other official academic documents.

Government Aims to Improve Learning Outcomes

School Education Secretary Dr Kamalpreet Singh said the reforms are intended to improve the overall quality of education across the state.

He noted that under the existing system, the distribution of textbooks often extends into July, delaying classroom teaching and affecting syllabus completion.

With schools opening from April, the department expects students to receive textbooks, uniforms and other educational benefits before regular teaching begins, enabling uninterrupted academic activities from the start of the session.

The revised calendar is also expected to provide teachers with more instructional time and create better conditions for completing the syllabus before examinations.

The Chhattisgarh government's decision represents one of the state's most significant education reforms in recent years and aligns its school calendar more closely with national education policy objectives while seeking to improve classroom learning and academic performance.

The minister said 676 government schools in Assam do not have electricity connections, while 283 schools are yet to be equipped with toilet facilities for boys. The figures were made public through a post on social media platform X on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges that remain in strengthening educational infrastructure across the state.

According to the data shared by the minister, Assam currently has 44,243 government schools. While a majority of institutions have access to essential amenities, a significant number still require infrastructure upgrades to ensure a better learning environment for students.

Pegu said the state government has set a target of providing all necessary basic facilities in government schools by March 2027. The objective includes expanding electricity access, improving sanitation facilities and addressing other infrastructure gaps that affect daily school operations.

Electricity remains one of the key concerns identified by the Education Department. Of the 44,243 government schools, 676 are functioning without any form of electricity connection. To address the issue, the state government has earmarked ₹4 crore in the current financial year for electrification projects in these institutions.

Officials believe that access to electricity is increasingly important for schools as classrooms become more dependent on digital learning tools, electronic equipment and technology-enabled teaching methods. Lack of power supply can limit the use of educational resources and affect overall learning outcomes, particularly in remote areas.

The minister also pointed out that not all schools without conventional electricity are completely deprived of power. A total of 643 government schools currently rely on solar energy systems for their electricity needs. These installations have been introduced to ensure that basic requirements such as lighting and operation of essential equipment can continue even in areas where regular grid connectivity is unavailable.

The sanitation situation presents a mixed picture. According to the Education Department, all government schools in Assam now have toilet facilities for girls, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve school hygiene and encourage student attendance.

However, infrastructure gaps remain for boys. The minister said 283 schools still do not have dedicated toilet facilities for male students. Construction work to address the shortfall has already been initiated under the current financial year, with authorities aiming to complete the pending projects within the planned timeline.

Education experts have long highlighted the importance of sanitation facilities in schools, noting that access to clean and functional toilets plays a crucial role in student health, attendance and overall educational outcomes. Adequate sanitation infrastructure is also considered essential for creating a safe and inclusive learning environment.

The latest figures come as several states across India continue to focus on improving public school infrastructure through targeted investments in classrooms, sanitation, electricity and digital education facilities.

For Assam, the challenge now lies in ensuring that the remaining infrastructure gaps are closed within the timeline announced by the government. With electrification projects and toilet construction already underway, officials are expected to closely monitor implementation progress over the coming months.

The state government maintains that achieving universal access to basic amenities in government schools remains a priority as it works toward its March 2027 target.

Indore bench issues notices to Centre and state government over PIL highlighting infrastructure deficit, shortage of teachers and alleged misuse of funds; next hearing on August 17

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a strict view of the state's ailing education system, issuing notices to the central and state governments on a public interest litigation (PIL) that highlights severe deficiencies in government schools across the state.

The division bench of Justice Subodh Abhyankar and Justice Alok Awasthi, hearing the matter on Wednesday, directed both governments to file their responses by August 17.

The PIL was filed by social worker and advocate B.L. Jain from Sendhwa. Advocate Abhishek Tuganawat, appearing for the petitioner, informed the court that the state's education system is in a deep crisis, with millions of students being denied even the basic facilities guaranteed under the Constitution and the Right to Education Act.

According to the petition, out of the sanctioned 2.89 lakh teaching posts in the state, 1.15 lakh positions remain vacant — nearly 40 per cent of the total sanctioned strength. The situation is so dire that 1,895 schools in the state do not have a single teacher posted.

Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report for 2025, the petition stated that out of 83,514 schools in the state, approximately 5,000 have dilapidated and unsafe buildings. Around 3,400 schools lack toilet facilities, while nearly 10,000 schools do not have electricity. Boundary walls are missing in 40,000 schools, and thousands of schools do not have access to clean drinking water. Several schools continue to operate in makeshift huts.

The petition further pointed out that more than 59,000 schools in the state do not have computer facilities, even as the government talks about digital education. Over the past decade, the number of students from Class 1 to Class 12 in government schools has declined by more than 22 lakh, even as the state's population has grown — a clear indicator of the declining trust in the government education system.

The petitioner also brought to the court's attention that the Supreme Court, in January 2026, had directed all government and private schools to ensure separate toilets for boys and girls and provide free sanitary pads for girl students. Despite these directives, many schools are yet to comply.

The PIL also raised the issue of alleged misuse of government funds, claiming that adequate expenditure is not being made on basic necessities like education and health, while large amounts are being spent on other heads. Corruption in construction and repair works was also flagged.

The court has sought responses from both governments by August 17, when the matter will be heard next.

A recent directive issued by the Chhattisgarh School Education Department mandating the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra during prayers in government schools has triggered a political and social debate across the state. The order, issued on June 12, includes the recitation of the national anthem, national song, Gayatri Mantra, Deep Mantra, Bhojan Mantra, and other traditional prayers as part of the daily school assembly.

The decision has drawn criticism from former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo, the Congress party, and several minority organizations, which argue that making the recitation of a religious mantra compulsory in government schools raises concerns about religious freedom and the secular character of public institutions.

The controversy has quickly become a topic of public discussion, with opposition leaders calling on the state government to reconsider the directive.

Concerns Over Religious Freedom

Speaking on the issue, former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo stated that religious freedom is one of the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution. He argued that the acceptance or recitation of any religious mantra should remain a matter of personal faith and individual choice.

According to Singh Deo, citizens should be free to practice and worship according to their beliefs, but no religious practice should be imposed on individuals belonging to different faiths. He maintained that making such recitations mandatory in government-run educational institutions could conflict with the spirit of constitutional secularism.

Political observers note that the issue has reignited discussions about the balance between cultural traditions and constitutional protections in public education.

Minority Organizations Demand Withdrawal

Several minority groups and educational organizations have also voiced their opposition to the directive. Representatives of minority community organizations submitted memorandums through local administrative authorities, urging the state government and the education minister to revoke the order.

These groups argue that government schools serve students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. They contend that compulsory recitation of a mantra associated with a particular religious tradition may make some students uncomfortable and could be viewed as inconsistent with the principle of equal treatment.

The organizations have called for school assemblies to remain inclusive and focused on values that are acceptable to students from all communities.

Congress Criticizes Government Move

Leaders of the Congress party's minority wing have accused the government of prioritizing ideological issues over pressing challenges facing the education sector. They argue that concerns such as unemployment, rising costs, examination irregularities, and educational infrastructure require greater attention.

Party representatives have alleged that introducing mandatory religious recitations in schools risks creating unnecessary divisions and shifting focus away from academic priorities.

Local Congress leaders also expressed concern that educational institutions should remain spaces dedicated to learning and social harmony rather than becoming arenas for political or ideological debates.

Government Yet to Respond

As of now, the state government has not announced any changes to the directive. Education department officials have not publicly indicated whether the order will be reviewed following the objections raised by political leaders and community organizations.

The issue is expected to remain under discussion in the coming days as stakeholders from different sections of society continue to express their views.