Bargarh,30th Aug 2025: Hundreds of primary teacher couples in various districts are currently working far away from their families due to a flawed transfer policy of the School Education Department. Some are posted 100 km away, while others are as far as 800 km, depriving their children of parental care and leaving elderly parents in helpless situations. Teachers report severe mental stress due to these postings.
The “Scouse Ground Transfer Policy” was first announced by the previous government in 2023 and was successfully implemented in 2024, benefiting 660 teacher couples. This policy received praise from educators and intellectuals.
However, in 2025, the government unexpectedly modified the 2023 guidelines. Despite no clear reasons, the policy was abruptly changed, causing regional unrest. This year, 541 teacher couples applied for transfers, but the revised policy has limited transfers for primary teachers, reducing their numbers by nearly 90%, leaving only 20–30 transfers feasible in each region.
On 26th August, over 150 teacher couples met the Education Minister to voice their grievances. Despite persistent follow-ups with the Director, Secretary, and Education Minister, teachers report receiving only vague assurances, with actual transfer implementation deferred to next year.
The Primary Teachers’ Association has warned that if their rightful transfers are denied, all 541 teacher couples may resort to a protest on state roads, demanding justice for themselves and their families.