Ahmedabad: In Gujarat, the protests of contractual sports teachers, often referred to as Khel Sahayaks, have escalated due to significant delays in salary payments and a total absence of job security. With these teachers being appointed by the state for the second year in a row, their concerns remain unaddressed, resulting in considerable unrest.
Numerous Khel Sahayaks working in government schools experience prolonged salary delays, leading to significant financial strain. Even with the state’s raised age limit for hiring and the growth of the Mission School of Excellence project, contract teachers face the risk of abrupt termination and lack access to standard benefits such as pensions or paid leave.
Teachers Rajesh Dobariya from Amreli and Sonalben Sorathiya from Junagadh discussed their challenges, including precarious contracts and unstable livelihoods. “If nothing changes, we will continue protesting for the benefit of qualified teachers,” Dobariya stated, reflecting the views of more than 1,500 Khel Sahayaks statewide.
The Gujarat government claims it is reviewing the appointment process. Suggested modifications involve increasing the age limit and introducing reappointment provisions. However, educators argue that the future still looks bleak without regularization. Organizations like the Gujarat Youth Congress and Krida Bharti have expressed their backing, highlighting the need for ongoing development in physical education, especially as India aims to enhance its Olympic performance.
The teachers intend to maintain their protests until reforms are enacted, advocating for dignity, prompt payments, and equal chances within the education system.
