Dear Editor, A large section of activists, associations, teachers/ trainers are expressing concern over neglect of vocational teachers In India. The stress for vocational education was envisaged even in the NEP of 1986. However, the new policy takes it to whole another level by introducing it in grade six itself. This ignores the importance of ensuring basic mainstream education for all students at least until class 10. But, in meantime Vocational education programme was started by Govt as the pilot project under RMSA and now new name Samagra after merging SSA & RMSA and thousands of youth was hired in different States, such as J&K, Haryana, Assam, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, MP and many more as quality teachers in High and Higher secondary schools of India. After delivering successful services in schools this vocationalization program has became a permanent part of education. Now question arises here about the future of teachers who are giving their services. When Govt is focused on vocationalisation in schools permanently, but why there is no focus on vocational teachers from 6 years? We are neglected in salary hikes, increments, job policy, service byelaws, equal pay for equal work, etc. Haryana Govt has laid full-stop on 2094 vocational teachers by framing job policy for them but what about other vocational teachers in India? Teachers teach justice, but what when we are under injustice in country? In ‘Awaam Ki Awaaz’, LG J&K announced for framing job policy but that remained in media only. On New Year, can Vocational Teachers expect a reward from Government? Rajesh Thakur.
