Teacher transfer quota for MPs and MLAs triggers political debate in Odisha

Odisha government's recent decision allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to recommend the transfer of up to 15 school teachers within a district each year triggered political debate in the State on Wednesday.

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Critics of the move contend that it risks increasing corruption and the politicisation of the education sector. Concerns have been raised that such a quota might further complicate the transparency of how transfers are conducted.

While welcomed by the Odisha teachers' union, the scheme has also sparked reservations within its ranks. The outfit has suggested that facilitating transfers at the State level might prove more advantageous than restricting them within individual districts. Representatives have voiced that the limit of 15 teacher recommendations per constituency per academic year might not be adequate to meet the growing demands.

Notifications from the government indicate that MPs and MLAs are expected to convey their lists of suggested transfers to the District Collectors between May 15 and June 15 every year. However, Rajya Sabha MPs will direct their recommendations to the Directorate of Secondary Education.

The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticised the established quota system as unsuitable, underscoring that the education administration should remain free from political influence. The Congress party also expressed similar apprehensions, cautioning that this decision may lead to an increase in unethical practices.

“We always insist that the education sector is a ‘man-making factory’ and no political meanness should be there relating to it. The limit of 15 transfers (through MPs and MLAs) will create problems for the people’s representatives,” BJD MLA Sarada Prasanna Jena said.

Suresh Routray casts doubts on 'transparency'

“Transparency can never be maintained, what I believe. Education and Health departments should be made independent (free from intervention). It is not the right move that MPs and MLAs would recommend for the transfer of teachers,” senior Congress leader Suresh Kumar Routray stated.

In response to these criticisms, School and Mass Education (S&ME) Minister Nityananda Gond has defended the policy, arguing that it aims to address grievances raised by public representatives. The S&ME Minister assured that no corruption will be there; rather, this will help resolve the grievances received by the people’s representatives.

“There will be no corruption, and transfers will be done based on eligibility. Why would the teachers cause corruption and bribe anyone?” the S&ME Minister questioned.

In November last year, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja had issued warnings against undue influences affecting transfer decisions, asserting that any breach of conduct codes would face stringent repercussions. This was aligned with the objective of adhering to the administrative procedures in force, ensuring that any transfer must reflect personnel merit and operational needs.

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Looking ahead to the 2024 General Elections, the Opposition BJD had then initiated a policy allowing the recommendation of up to 10 transfers. This had then faced considerable resistance and accusations of electoral strategising.