Chandigarh, 20 February 2026 (Azad vaani) Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains’ remark “my heart is crying” during a visit to a school in the Machhiwara block has sparked debate among teachers and intellectuals. Many question whether the concern is genuine or an attempt to divert attention from the teachers’ protest scheduled on 22 February at Sri Anandpur Sahib.Ground realities in the block are alarming. Out of 60 schools, 38 function with only one teacher each, while 13 schools have no permanent teacher at all. In the school visited by the minister, just three teachers are responsible for 298 students.When asked by journalists, the minister said recruitment would be done “soon”. However, critics argue that after four years, such assurances appear hollow. Across Punjab, the education system is strained due to large-scale vacancies. Out of 1,947 principal posts, 1,100 are vacant, around 700 headmaster posts are empty, and more than half the lecturer and Block Education Officer positions remain unfilled.Repeated postponement of meetings with teacher unions has also raised concerns. Suspending teachers before the planned march is being viewed as an attempt to create pressure rather than resolve issues through dialogue.The article further questions alleged misuse of authority, suggesting that public empathy appears symbolic when basic educational shortcomings remain unresolved.
Only 3 teachers for 298 students — is suspension the solution?
