Haryana’s education system on brink of collapse: MP Selja

Congress MP from Sirsa, Kumari Selja, has raised alarm over the acute shortage of teachers in Haryana, warning that the state’s public education system is nearing collapse. In a media statement, she criticised the BJP-led state government for failing to fill over 15,000 vacant teaching posts, calling it a result of “anti-education policies” and administrative indifference.

Citing media reports, Selja said in many government schools across eight districts — Ambala, Faridabad, Sirsa, Yamunanagar, Palwal, Bhiwani, Jind, and Hisar — a single teacher was managing up to 400-500 students. “This is not just a violation of the Right to Education, but also a grave injustice to our children,” she said.

Selja questioned the government’s focus on the New Education Policy, while basic infrastructure and human resources in schools remain neglected. “Is the government deliberately promoting private schools by weakening public education?” she asked.

According to her, 15,659 teaching positions are currently vacant across Haryana, with Ambala and Yamunanagar being the worst affected. In Sirsa, where thousands of children rely on public education, the shortage is directly impacting students’ future.

She also pointed towards delays in recruitment, politically motivated postings, and a disorganised teacher transfer system as root causes of the crisis.

In many rural areas, village panchayats have reportedly hired temporary teachers at salaries as low as Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per month just to keep classes running.

Calling for an urgent intervention, Selja demanded that the government begin immediate recruitment to fill all vacancies, ensure equitable teacher-student ratio, and develop a transparent transfer and posting policy. She also urged the establishment of an independent oversight body to monitor implementation of the education policy and accountability of officials concerned.