Contractual Teacher Recruitment in Central-Funded PM Shri Navodaya School Sparks Controversy in Tripura

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 12, 2025

A wave of concern and criticism has emerged across Tripura’s education sector after a Central Government-funded PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Sepahijala, issued an advertisement announcing the contractual recruitment of a Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) in Computer Science.

The advertisement, published in a local newspaper, invited eligible candidates for a walk-in-interview to be held on 14th November 2025 (Friday) at 10:00 AM at JNV Sepahijala, Takarjala. The post is to be filled on a purely temporary contractual basis, with a monthly remuneration of Rs. 42,250/-, as per Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) norms.

While the PM Shri schools were launched by the Central Government to promote quality and modern education with well-trained teachers, this recent move has triggered widespread debate. Many educators and parents argue that contractual hiring in centrally funded institutions like Navodaya Vidyalayas undermines the long-term stability and quality of teaching.

It has also been observed that almost all Navodaya Schools, Army Public Schools, Assam Rifles Schools, and many schools run by private organizations or state bodies in Tripura are now recruiting teachers on a contractual basis. This trend, according to education observers, is weakening the professional status and financial security of teachers, leading to several social and academic side effects.

With low and irregular pay, a large number of these contractual teachers are forced to take up private tuitions to supplement their income. Parents across the state have expressed their displeasure over this situation, as many families cannot afford the high tuition fees often demanded per subject by the same teachers who teach in these schools. This dual system has raised ethical and social concerns, as it creates inequality among students based on their financial capacity.

Educationists and teacher associations in Tripura have strongly demanded the appointment of regular, well-paid teachers in both government and private institutions, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes teacher empowerment, professional dignity, and fair remuneration.

The advertisement from PM Shri JNV Sepahijala listed the eligibility criteria for the PGT (Computer Science) post, candidates must possess M.Sc (Computer Science/IT), MCA, or M.Tech (Computer Science/IT) with at least 50% marks, or hold a B.Ed or integrated B.Ed–M.Ed degree from an NCTE-recognized institution. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in teaching, residential school background, and bilingual proficiency in English and Hindi.

The maximum age limit for general candidates is 50 years, while ex-NVS or retired government teachers can apply up to 65 years of age. Interested candidates have been asked to report with all original documents and self-attested copies for verification.

However, the larger issue has shifted public focus from one school’s interview to the broader crisis of contractual employment across Tripura’s education system. Teachers’ organizations have pointed out that despite the Central and State Governments’ repeated commitment to NEP 2020, which calls for recruitment of qualified teachers with respectable salaries, the ground reality remains far different.

They argue that underpaid and overworked teachers cannot be expected to deliver the kind of innovative and quality education that the NEP envisions.

As one education activist commented, When Central Government-funded PM Shri and Navodaya Schools start hiring teachers on contract, it sends a wrong message to the entire education sector. If quality education is truly the goal, then regular appointments with decent pay must be ensured first.

With mounting public dissatisfaction and parental concern, there is a growing call for both the Central and State Governments to intervene, ensuring that all educational institutions in Tripura, whether government, defense-run, or private, follow the spirit of NEP 2020 by providing regular employment, fair pay, and professional dignity to teachers.

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