55 Teachers Allegedly Transferred to Non-Teaching Roles Illegally, Say Stakeholders

Quick Summary:

• The Karnataka State goverment has transferred 55 assistant teachers working in government high schools to non-teaching posts.
• The transfer order was approved by the Chief Minister and issued by the department of School Education and Literacy on August 20, 2025.
• Teachers, School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), and other stakeholders have opposed the move, alleging corruption and misuse of political influence during the teacher transfer process.
• According to Karnataka State Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Teachers) Act-2020, transfers during the ongoing teacher transfer process should be strictly regulated to avoid bias or illegality.
• Many transferred teachers are now serving as Librarians, Technical Assistants, or Program Assistants in District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs).
• Stakeholders claim this decision exacerbates high school teacher shortages amid ongoing guest teacher appointments aimed at filling gaps due to declining SSLC examination results in recent years.
• In past judgments (2017 & 2021), Karnataka’s High Court had upheld that appointing teachers to non-teaching posts violates legislative norms.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The recent decision by Karnataka’s government raises questions about adherence to established legal frameworks governing teacher transfers. Significant concerns reflect potential impacts on educational quality-especially with SSLC exam results showing consistent decline-and call attention to perceived favoritism toward politically influential individuals gaining preferential placements. While transferring educators during shortages appears counterproductive given reliance on temporary faculty like guest teachers, enforcement against misuse under the Teacher Transfer Act remains critical for clarity. Decisions curtailing dedicated teaching resources must align with broader student welfare imperatives rather than expedient administrative arrangements beneficial onyl for select entities.

read More: Published – August 24, 2025 | IST