Madhya Pradesh Education Minister Highlights Rampant Teacher Absenteeism

Rao Uday Pratap Singh reveals widespread use of hired substitutes by government school teachers, drawing criticism over lack of punitive action.

Madhya Pradesh Education Minister Rao Uday Pratap Singh admitted knowing of 500 government teachers who hire substitutes to work in their place, including 100 in his own district.
The substitutes are reportedly paid between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, raising concerns about systemic issues in the state's education sector.
The opposition Congress party has criticized the minister for failing to take action against these teachers, calling for his resignation or intervention from higher authorities.
The revelation comes as government school enrollment in Madhya Pradesh has dropped by 1.22 million students since 2016-17, despite an 80% increase in education spending during the same period.
Minister Singh defended his approach, stating the focus is on reforming the system rather than punishing teachers, though critics demand greater accountability.