MP Probes 12,000 Jan Shikshaks For Neglecting Duties

In Madhya Pradesh, nearly 12,000 Jan Shikshaks are under investigation for allegedly failing to perform their core responsibilities. These Jan Shikshaks, also known as Cluster Academic Coordinators (CACs), are entrusted with monitoring academic activities in government schools and mentoring teachers to improve classroom learning.

According to information obtained from Rajya Shiksha Kendra (RSK), Madhya Pradesh has 6,198 Jan Shiksha Kendras (JSKs), with two Jan Shikshaks sanctioned at each centre. This brings the total number of Jan Shikshaks in the state to around 12,396, although several posts remain vacant.

Jan Shikshaks are mandated to visit every school under their jurisdiction at least twice a month, where they are expected to observe classroom teaching, help teachers overcome difficulties in teaching complex subjects, assess students' learning levels, and take at least one class themselves. However, teachers claim that this objective is rarely fulfilled.

A principal of a government school in Phanda Rural, Bhopal, stated that CACs hardly visit schools and, when they do, their focus remains on administrative checks rather than academic guidance. Another teacher, Upendra Kaushal, said that they never visit schools regularly, and even when they do, they reportedly spend their time checking attendance registers, teacher absenteeism, and the quality of the midday meal.

Jan Shikshaks are required to mark their attendance through the Hamare Shikshak app from their designated schools, just like government school teachers. However, officials associated with JSKs said many of them mark attendance from Jan Shiksha Kendras or district offices instead of schools, making it difficult to verify whether they actually visited the schools assigned to them on a particular day.

Former CAC and retired Rajya Shiksha Kendra official Damodar Jain said CACs were created to strengthen classroom teaching by mentoring teachers, not to function as inspection officials. He added that schools are often informed in advance about their visits, defeating the purpose of monitoring and preventing any real assessment of classroom practices.

The issue of vacant posts has also affected the monitoring of schools, with more than 40% of the sanctioned posts lying vacant. Several officials are currently serving on deputation, while others have been attached to different offices.

The state government has taken notice of the issue and is likely to take action against the Jan Shikshaks who are not performing their duties. The government is also planning to fill the vacant posts to ensure that the academic mentoring role is fulfilled.

The investigation into the Jan Shikshaks has highlighted the need for effective monitoring and mentoring in government schools. The state government must take steps to ensure that the Jan Shikshaks are performing their duties and providing the necessary support to teachers and students.

In conclusion, the probe into the Jan Shikshaks in Madhya Pradesh has brought to light the need for improved monitoring and mentoring in government schools. The state government must take action to address the issue and ensure that the academic mentoring role is fulfilled, which is crucial for the improvement of education in the state.

The situation has significant implications for the education system in Madhya Pradesh, and the state government must take immediate action to address the issue. The effective functioning of Jan Shikshaks is essential for the improvement of education in the state, and the government must ensure that they are performing their duties effectively.

The issue also highlights the need for effective governance and monitoring in the education sector. The state government must take steps to ensure that the education system is functioning effectively and that the necessary support is being provided to teachers and students.

In the end, the probe into the Jan Shikshaks has highlighted the need for improved governance and monitoring in the education sector. The state government must take action to address the issue and ensure that the education system is functioning effectively, which is crucial for the development of the state.