Editor,

I wish to draw attention to the concerns of teachers affected by the ongoing rationalisation and transfer exercise of the Education Department.

There is no objection to the releasing of teachers who are genuinely eligible for transfer under the prescribed rules. However, serious concern arises when teachers who have not completed the mandatory three-year tenure, are engaged in census duty or BLO duty, or fall under other recognised grounds for consideration of exemption are also directed to be released without their individual representations being properly examined.

If a teacher has submitted a representation supported by official documents, it is only fair that the competent authority examine the case before issuing directions for release. Forcibly directing the release of teachers who are genuinely not eligible for transfer, without considering their legitimate representations, is highly discouraging and may create a sense of administrative injustice.

Administrative authority is necessary, but it should always be accompanied by due process, transparency and reasonable consideration of genuine cases. A blanket approach should not replace case-by-case scrutiny.

I sincerely hope that the newly appointed education secretary, who is familiar with the local context and ground realities of teachers, will understand the difficulties being faced by genuine teachers and ensure that their representations are duly considered before they are relieved.

This appeal is not against legitimate transfers or the authority of the department. It is simply a request for fair differentiation between eligible and exempt cases, verification of records, and justice for teachers with genuine grounds for exemption.

Let eligible teachers proceed as per the rules, but let genuine cases be heard before they are released. Administrative efficiency should never come at the cost of fairness.

A concerned teacher