Shimla, April 29
Tensions escalated in Himachal Pradesh over Shastri teacher recruitment after members of Adarsh Swabhiman Himachal approached the Himachal Pradesh High Court in Shimla, alleging that the state government is moving to phase out Shastri posts. The organization has sought restoration of recruitment under existing rules and has warned of a statewide agitation if its demands are not met.
The organization has alleged that the government is systematically working to eliminate Shastri posts meant for Sanskrit teachers. It claimed that recruitment has already been stalled following the introduction of the B.Ed qualification requirement, resulting in a large number of vacant posts across the state.
Adarsh Swabhiman Himachal has filed a petition before the High Court demanding that appointments to Shastri posts be conducted under the earlier recruitment and promotion rules. The organization has argued that any move to abolish posts requires due process, including discussion in the state Assembly and formal amendments to service rules.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, its president, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, alleged that the government recently filled 193 posts in an arbitrary manner. He said a related matter is already pending before the High Court and questioned the urgency behind declaring results and issuing postings on the same day.
He further alleged that the action reflects disregard for the judicial process and amounts to contempt of court, claiming that Shastri teachers are deliberately being ignored in policy decisions.
Dr. Sharma and other office bearers said the issue is not limited to recruitment but concerns the future of Sanskrit education in the state. They warned that if the government does not withdraw its decision, a statewide protest movement will be launched.
The matter is now before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, while teacher representatives have escalated their opposition, setting the stage for a potential legal and administrative confrontation over recruitment rules and the future of Shastri posts in the state.
