Government Teachers Assigned to Serve VIPs at Temple Festival in Rajkot: Order Sparks Outrage

Rajkot: A local government order assigning schoolteachers to manage food services for VIPs at a temple festival in Jasdan taluka has triggered widespread criticism, forcing authorities to withdraw the directive. Each year, the revered Ghela Somnath temple sees large gatherings during the Hindu month of Shravan. But this year’s celebration took an unexpected turn when the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jasdan directed 48 primary schoolteachers from over 10 nearby schools to oversee hospitality arrangements, including food service for dignitaries.

The order quickly became a flashpoint, with educators and citizens questioning why already overburdened teachers, amid a state-wide shortage of 12,500 teachers and 700 principals, were being pulled from classrooms to serve VIP guests. Critics pointed out that while teachers have often been assigned non-academic duties like election work or census surveys, asking them to manage VIP meals at a religious event crosses a line.

Facing backlash, the SDM rescinded the order, stating that any teacher wishing to volunteer may do so voluntarily, but no one will be compelled. Education Minister Kuber Dindor confirmed that his department intervened, instructing local officials to cancel the controversial circular. “Teachers can only be assigned to nationally mandated duties such as elections. Managing hospitality at religious festivals is not their responsibility,” he said.

Junior Education Minister Praful Panseriya went further, calling the order “completely inappropriate.” “Teachers shape the future of our students. They cannot be treated as event staff. Assigning them to non-educational duties, especially those involving VIP services, is unacceptable,” he stated. He also emphasized the need for stricter protocols. Going forward, no such duties will be assigned to educators without prior approval from the Education Department’s top officials in Gandhinagar.

The incident has reignited debate over the treatment of teachers in Gujarat, especially when the state’s education system is already under pressure. With thousands of teaching positions vacant, critics argue the focus should be on strengthening schools, not turning teachers into administrative staff for local events.