Even as healthcare workers intensified their protest in Gujarat, physical education teachers have also taken to the streets, demanding permanent jobs. 

Currently hired on an 11-month contractual basis under the Khel Sahayak scheme, these teachers argue that no permanent hiring has taken place for the past 15 years. They are urging the government to end the contract-based system and initiate full-time recruitment.

The Gujarat government’s Khel Sahayak (Sports Assistant) scheme has faced opposition from teachers, who claim it is unfair to both students and educators. Under the scheme, teachers are removed from their positions once their contract ends, even if they are actively training students. Teachers argue that this disrupts students’ growth in sports and physical education.

Key issues raised by the protesting teachers 

–No uniform leave policy for sports assistants across the state.

–Lack of clarity on salary payments after the 11-month contract period.

–Verbal terminations without written notice or official circulars.

–Delayed or missing salaries in some districts, especially in February.

–Unnecessary renewal processes that add to job insecurity.

Demand of teachers

The teachers have submitted multiple appeals to the government but claim that no concrete action has been taken. In response, they organised a rally in Gandhinagar to demand:

–Permanent recruitment of physical education teachers, which has been stalled for 15 years.

–Hiring of full-time physical education teachers in primary schools.