Gujarat minister's remarks on teachers spark controversy at government event in Godhra

A fresh controversy has erupted in Gujarat after Minister of State for Agriculture Rameshbhai Katara made sharp remarks about government teachers and their protest culture while addressing a public event in Godhra.

The comments were made during the government's Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan held at the Swaminarayan Temple in Godhra, where Katara attended as the chief guest. During his address, the minister criticised government teachers over their salaries, benefits and frequent protests, triggering debate across the state's education sector.

Targeting teachers over pay and demands, Katara said they have already received the benefits of successive pay commissions, including the 8th and 10th pay revisions, yet their "financial hunger" remains unfulfilled. He claimed that despite drawing high salaries and enjoying various government benefits, teachers continue to stage protests and agitations against the government.

The minister further alleged that many teachers are unwilling to work sincerely despite receiving substantial compensation from the state.

Katara also raised concerns over classroom practices, alleging that teachers spend excessive time on mobile phones instead of focusing on teaching students and improving educational standards.

"Today's teachers spend most of their time using mobile phones in classrooms rather than providing quality education to children," he reportedly said during the event.

The remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media and in political circles, with many questioning the minister's comments on the teaching community during an official government programme.

Attention is now likely to shift towards the response of teacher associations and education bodies, which are expected to react to the minister's statements in the coming days.