DNA: Rajasthan: Tuesday, January 09, 2018.
Nearly a
million candidates have applied for 35,000 posts of grade-III teachers. This is
perhaps going to be the biggest recruitment drive this year. In 2005, 2.5 lakh
candidates had applied for 35,000 posts. For the same number of posts, there
will be now 9.5 lakh applicants.
The
Panchayati Raj Department has invited applications to fill up these posts of
third-grade teachers through REET examinations that will take place on February
11. It is said to be the biggest recruitment by the BJP government.
Clearly, the
number of candidates has gone up fourfold but the posts have remained stagnated
in more than a decade. More importantly, there has been an inordinate delay in
the recruitment process of third-grade teachers since 2005. Sometimes, the
government changes but the recruitment process could not be completed.
Between 2005
and 2018, applications for recruitment of third-grade teachers were invited
seven times. But, all of them were marred by one controversy or another. While,
the posts advertised in 2005 and 2007 were filled in the same year but the
recruitment process of 2008 got stuck for two years whereas successful
candidates of 2012, 2013 and 2016 have not been given appointment till date.
The biggest
controversy was about recruitment of 39,500 posts in 2012. On the other hand,
between 1998 and 2003, not a single post was advertised. If the recruitment
takes place regularly instead of two or three years’ gap than unemployment
would not increase and number of applicants which has gone up several times
would not reach such proportion. According to an estimate, 31 lakh candidates
applied for third grade teachers in 12 years since 2005.
The reason
recruitment of third grade teachers got stuck particularly in 2012 and 2013 was
a rule in RTI act 2009 according to which B. Ed and STC was mandatory for to
appear in the recruitment examinations. The state government gave relaxation in
minimum 60% passing marks to reserved category applicants. This was challenged
in the high court. Te matter remained pending in high court and then Supreme
Court.
“Recruitment
of third-grade teachers had been controversial, which resulted in court cases
and the successful candidates did not get an appointment on time even after the
change of government. It is the time that all the matters are resolved and an
appointment is given immediately to provide relief to unemployed youths,”
Sandip Kalwania, advocate, Rajasthan high court.
“The
government must increased the number of posts. Besides, fees should be taken
only from successful candidates while those who failed to clear the exams
should get their money back. The government also needs to improve the system.
There are lacunas in REET also,” said Upen Yadav, State President of Rajasthan Berojgar Ekikrat
Mahasangh.
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