Andhra Pradesh politics has witnessed fresh controversy over the government’s education policies and teacher recruitment process. Liberation Congress Party president and former IAS officer Vijay Kumar has launched a sharp attack on Education Minister Nara Lokesh, questioning the government’s approach to merit, eligibility and recruitment rules.
Vijay Kumar alleged that recruitment rules were being diluted in the education sector and questioned how such decisions could be justified when the future of poor, SC and ST students depends heavily on the quality of government schools and teachers.
Vijay Kumar Targets Nara Lokesh
Speaking to the media at the Liberation Congress Party office in Vijayawada on Friday, Vijay Kumar strongly criticised Nara Lokesh.
He questioned Lokesh’s understanding of education and merit, saying that someone who studied through the management quota and later entered politics through inheritance could not understand the value of merit and education.
Vijay Kumar argued that the Education Minister should be particularly responsible when dealing with eligibility criteria, teacher recruitment and educational standards.
“What Do You Know About the Value of Merit?”
Vijay Kumar questioned whether it was appropriate to relax or bypass recruitment rules for teachers in government schools.
He said government schools primarily serve children from economically weaker sections, including SC and ST communities. Therefore, teacher appointments should be based strictly on eligibility, merit and transparent procedures.
According to him, compromising these standards could directly affect the quality of education available to disadvantaged students.
1.34 Lakh Jobs in Two Months Under the Previous Government
While criticising the present government, Vijay Kumar highlighted what he described as the previous government’s recruitment and administrative track record.
He claimed that 1.34 lakh ward and village secretariat employees were recruited within just two months, without major controversies or court disputes.
He also referred to the establishment of 15,000 village and ward secretariats and the reorganisation of 13 districts into 26 districts, claiming that these measures were implemented without prolonged litigation.
“This is what a track record means,” Vijay Kumar said, indirectly contrasting the previous government’s decisions with the current administration.
How Were 336 Teachers Appointed Without TET?
Vijay Kumar also raised questions over teacher appointments allegedly made without completing the required Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).
He referred to the Right to Education framework and said that TET qualification is an important requirement for teachers. He also pointed to Supreme Court directions concerning in-service teachers completing TET within the stipulated period.
Against this backdrop, he questioned how 336 people were allegedly appointed as teachers through the backdoor without TET and other required examinations.
He argued that recruitment rules cannot be different for different groups and that teacher appointments must follow uniform eligibility standards.
DSC-2025 Allegations Need Clear Answers
Vijay Kumar also criticised the government over allegations surrounding DSC-2025.
He alleged that questions had been raised over irregularities and corruption in the recruitment process and claimed that the government had failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions raised in the Assembly.
He stressed that transparency is essential in teacher recruitment because candidates spend years preparing for competitive examinations.
According to Vijay Kumar, any alleged backdoor recruitment could undermine the confidence of thousands of aspirants who compete through the prescribed selection process.
Changes to Sports Quota GOs Questioned
Vijay Kumar also questioned changes made to government orders relating to the sports quota.
He asked why previously issued rules had to be changed and what circumstances led to the amendments.
He argued that frequent changes to recruitment rules can create confusion among candidates and raise questions about the credibility and consistency of the selection process.
Is the Future of Poor Students Being Compromised?
Vijay Kumar said the government has a special responsibility towards students studying in government schools.
He pointed out that a significant proportion of government-school students come from economically disadvantaged communities and SC and ST backgrounds.
He argued that providing quality teachers to these students is not merely an employment issue but a matter directly connected with their future.
“If eligibility, merit and recruitment rules are compromised while appointing teachers, what will happen to the future of the government education system?” he questioned.
Questions Before Education Minister Nara Lokesh
Vijay Kumar’s allegations have raised several questions for the Education Department and Minister Nara Lokesh:
- How were 336 teachers allegedly appointed despite TET-related requirements?
- What is the government’s response to the allegations surrounding DSC-2025?
- Why were the sports quota GOs changed?
- What are the government’s standards regarding merit, eligibility and transparency in recruitment?
- What steps are being taken to ensure that government-school students receive qualified teachers?
Vijay Kumar demanded clear answers from the government on these issues.
Education Policy Becomes a Fresh Political Flashpoint
Vijay Kumar’s comments have added a fresh political dimension to the ongoing debate over teacher recruitment and education policy in Andhra Pradesh.
While he highlighted the previous government’s claims regarding 1.34 lakh ward and village secretariat jobs, 15,000 secretariats and the creation of 26 districts, he criticised the present government over allegations related to TET, DSC-2025 and sports quota recruitment.
His remark questioning what Lokesh knows about the value of education and merit has also triggered political discussion.
The government’s response to these allegations and whether it will provide detailed explanations regarding the recruitment-related issues remains to be seen.
