A Gujarat minister has sparked a controversy by stating that teachers are 'hungry for more salary,' drawing sharp criticism from the teachers' federation, which has demanded an apology.
Minister's Remarks
Referring to the education sector, Minister Kunvarjibhai Bavaliya said that in the past, school facilities in villages were inadequate, and teachers worked for meagre salaries. He added that now teachers are 'hungry for more salary,' implying that their demands are excessive.
Reaction from Teachers' Federation
The Gujarat State Primary Teachers' Federation condemned the remarks, calling them 'insensitive and disrespectful.' The federation stated that teachers have been working tirelessly despite low pay and poor infrastructure, and such comments undermine their dedication.
The federation has demanded a public apology from the minister and urged the state government to address the genuine concerns of teachers rather than making inflammatory statements.
Political Response
Opposition parties have also criticized the minister, accusing the government of neglecting the education sector. They highlighted that many teachers in rural areas still face challenges such as lack of basic facilities and delayed salaries.
The controversy comes amid ongoing discussions about teacher shortages and education quality in Gujarat. The minister has not yet responded to the backlash.
