Kolkata/Hyderabad: The School Teachers Federation of India (STFI) started its 9th National Conference on Friday in Kolkata at Mahajati Sadan, celebrating 25 years. STFI General Secretary C.N. Bharti and National President K.C. Harikrishnan raised the national and STFI flags to begin the three-day event.
C.N. Bharti led the opening session with notable academics like Professor Pavitra Sarkar, former Vice Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, Professor Samuel Chakraborty from Calcutta University, Professor Siddhartha Dutta from Jadavpur University, and Professor Abdul Kafi. They criticized the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for harming public education and supporting privatization.
Speakers expressed concern about many government schools closing due to the privatization-friendly policies of both central and state governments. They noted a decrease in public school enrollments as private and corporate schools grew. They argued against the central government’s “one nation, one curriculum” policy, saying it threatens India’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
The conference called for promoting scientific thinking in education, asking teachers to challenge superstitions. They demanded 6% of GDP and 10% of the national budget for education, as recommended by past commissions.
Concerns were also raised about the National Testing Agency, which they said undermines state control over education. Many teaching positions remain unfilled, with temporary staff taking over, worsening conditions in government schools. The growth of private universities, now half of higher education institutions, was seen as a risk to public education.
In the afternoon, STFI Vice President and TS UTF State President Chavaravi introduced a resolution against NEP-2020, advocating for a new policy based on constitutional values and science. The conference included 560 STFI Central Committee members and representatives from across India, with 38 from Telangana. Key leaders like Chavaravi, A. Venkat, C.H. Durgabhavani, and T. Lakshma Reddy attended with district officials.
