Vadodara: Gujarat minister of state for agriculture Ramesh Katara sparked controversy after making critical remarks about govt teachers at a Viksit Bharat Sankalp Sammelan held in Godhra, Panchmahal district.Addressing a gathering, Katara said on Saturday evening that despite receiving the benefits of successive pay commissions and govt facilities, teachers continue to protest and raise demands. He alleged that their “financial hunger” remains unsatisfied despite drawing substantial salaries.The minister also questioned teachers’ work culture, claiming that many spend time on mobile phones instead of focusing on classroom teaching and improving the quality of education.The remarks have drawn strong criticism from teachers’ organisations across Gujarat. The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh has condemned the statement and demanded that the minister withdraw his remarks and issue a public apology.Gujarat unit president of the teachers’ body, Aniruddhsinh Solanki, said the minister’s comments hurt the sentiments of the teaching community. He urged Katara to apologise to teachers, warning that the issue could trigger statewide protests if left unresolved.
