55 Teachers Moved to Desk Jobs: In Karnataka’s education system, a storm is brewing. At a time when government schools are already struggling with teacher shortages, the State government has transferred 55 high school assistant teachers to non teaching posts, sparking widespread outrage among teachers, School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), and education activists.
The Transfer Order and Allegations of Misuse
The transfer order, issued on August 20, 2025, with the Chief Minister’s approval, has quickly become controversial. Stakeholders allege that several teachers have misused political influence to secure transfers to convenient postings, bypassing the official teacher transfer process. “There is a possibility of massive corruption behind this,” they claimed.
What the Law Says About Transfers
According to the Karnataka State Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Teachers) Act, 2020, such transfers during the ongoing process are illegal. The law clearly states that no teacher can be moved through alternative channels while transfers are underway. The High Court had earlier, in 2017 and 2021, restricted the government from appointing teachers to non teaching positions yet history appears to be repeating itself.
Teachers Pulled Away from Classrooms
What has angered educators most is that these teachers have been shifted to roles like librarians, programme assistants, and technical assistants at District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), even though government schools are reeling under a shortage of teaching staff. Karnataka has already had to recruit nearly 9,000 guest teachers to fill the gaps. Despite this, crucial teaching positions are being diverted away from classrooms.
Voices of Protest Grow Stronger
“This is inexcusable,” said a Bengaluru government school headmaster. “With declining SSLC results and a clear shortage of teachers, how can the government move teachers out of classrooms? If influence becomes the only qualification for transfers, what will happen to the rest of us?”
Echoing this sentiment, Umesh G. Gangavadi, State President of SDMC, condemned the move, stating, “It is not right for the government to bow to pressure from influential people and transfer teachers to non teaching posts. This is also a violation of the Teachers Transfer Act.” He urged the government to immediately withdraw the controversial order in the interest of lakhs of high school students across the state.
A Question of Priorities in Education
The issue is quickly snowballing into a larger debate on transparency, corruption, and the future of Karnataka’s public education system where students may be the ones paying the highest price.
Disclaimer: This article is based on currently available reports and statements from stakeholders. The situation is developing, and official responses may add further clarity.
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