Mingkeng Osik
PASIGHAT, SEP 28:
A joint front of student, youth and community organisations has announced a 12-hour district-wide bandh across East Siang on September 30, intensifying its opposition to the ongoing mass transfer and rationalisation of teachers in the district.
The Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang (BBYK), in collaboration with the ABKYW East Siang Unit, AdiSU East Siang Unit, Mebo Area Yameng Kebang, All Bosing Banggo Student Union, Legong Banggo Student Union, All Bogong Student Union and All Mebo Constituency Student Union, declared the bandh call, demanding immediate reconsideration of the teacher transfer and release orders.
The organisations said the bandh has been called after their repeated appeals and representations seeking intervention in the transfer exercise failed to resolve their concerns. They have particularly raised apprehensions over the availability of teachers and subject-wise manpower in schools across East Siang.
The groups referred to earlier representations submitted on September 21 and 23 and sought immediate intervention by the government, along with maintenance of the existing status quo regarding the release of affected teachers pending reconsideration of the transfer exercise.
A key demand is the protection of teachers who have not completed the prescribed three-year minimum tenure.
The organisations pointed to Clause 4 of the Department of Education’s notice dated May 21, 2026, which, according to the memorandum, provides for exemption from rationalisation for teachers who have not completed the prescribed minimum tenure.
According to the organisations, transferring teachers without adequately assessing the requirements of individual schools could adversely affect students, particularly in institutions already facing shortages of subject teachers.
The joint front has demanded that the authorities review the transfer orders and maintain the existing status quo until the grievances raised by stakeholders are properly examined. It has also sought protection for teachers who have not completed the prescribed minimum tenure, besides consideration of genuine medical, pregnancy-related and other compelling circumstances.
The organisations have further called for the deployment of adequate and qualified subject teachers in schools where vacancies are affecting academic activities. Particular concern has been expressed over the staffing situation at I.G.J. Higher Secondary School, Pasighat, and D. Ering Higher Secondary School, Pasighat.
The groups argued that the transfer exercise should be based on the actual school-wise and subject-wise requirement of teachers, rather than relying solely on numerical rationalisation. They maintained that any administrative exercise concerning teacher deployment must also safeguard the academic interests of students.
The timing of the transfers has also come under criticism, with the organisations pointing out that the academic session is already underway. They apprehend that large-scale movement of teachers at this stage could disrupt classroom teaching and adversely affect students preparing for secondary and higher secondary examinations.
The joint organisations have also referred to provisions concerning prescribed pupil-teacher ratios and urged the Education Department to ensure that the rationalisation process does not result in further shortages in schools.
With the bandh scheduled for September 30, the organisations have called upon the government to initiate meaningful dialogue and take concrete steps to address their demands before the proposed agitation.
The organisations have stated that the bandh will be observed peacefully and within the framework of law, while reiterating that their primary concern is the protection of students’ academic interests and ensuring adequate teaching strength across East Siang.
