NEW DELHI — The Congress on Saturday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Chhattisgarh for its decision to shut down 10,463 schools in the state, which will lead to the abolition of 45,000 teachers’ posts.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, AICC Secretary and Chhattisgarh MLA Devendra Yadav revealed that under the so-called “rationalisation” policy, the BJP government had decided to close these schools. He added that not only would teachers’ positions be abolished, but those of supporting staff as well.
Yadav warned that this move would make schooling difficult for young students, many of whom will now have to travel approximately five kilometers to attend school. He pointed out that previously, schools were located in neighborhoods and within walking distance for most children.
He also noted that the decision would disrupt the teacher-student ratio, as fewer teachers would be available to provide instruction. Yadav demanded the immediate reversal of the policy, warning that it could have a severely negative impact on children’s education.
The AICC Secretary went on to accuse the BJP government in Chhattisgarh of being a complete failure. He alleged there was rampant and blatant looting of natural resources like minerals, which were being handed over to private players. He also criticized the state’s deteriorating law and order situation, saying that Chhattisgarh, once known as an “island of peace,” had become a place where people felt unsafe and insecure.
Yadav claimed that journalists were being threatened and intimidated, and disclosed that the Chhattisgarh government had banned their entry into government hospitals.
In addition, the Congress legislator alleged that “tax terrorism” was widespread in the state, with GST officials reportedly extorting traders and businessmen. “It is like a return to the British-era inspector raj in the state,” he remarked.
