As Government schools across the State prepare to welcome students for the new academic session starting April 1, a significant void awaits them in the digital labs. The Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) has abruptly terminated the services of computer instructors working under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, ensuring that the new term begins with instructors remaining absent from their posts. The sudden move follows an official order from Manish Verma, Additional Director (Secondary Education), which cancels a previous extension that would have allowed these educators to continue until April 30. The primary trigger for this reversal is a financial stalemate; officials have confirmed there are no funds to continue the services as the central budget and necessary directives from the Government of India for the 2026-27 session, which begins tomorrow, have not yet been passed. Since current funds were only sanctioned through March 2026, the state has no financial provision to sustain these roles in the new fiscal year.

 

DEO confirms classroom impact : The impact of this budgetary gap will be felt immediately in the classroom. Speaking on the development, District Education Officer (DEO) N K Ahirwar confirmed that the termination remains in force until further notice from higher authorities. The session beginning in April will not see the start of computer classes for the students, Ahirwar stated. “Since the terms of the instructors stand cancelled from March 30, they will be absent from the schools until further notice from the higher authority.” Clearly, the digital curriculum effectively comes to a halt. This status quo will be maintained until fresh orders are issued regarding the new session’s budget and recruitment.

 

Principals held personally accountable : The DPI has issued a stern warning to ensure total compliance with the March 31 cut-off. The order explicitly states that if any computer instructor is found working in a government school after the deadline, the School Principal and the respective District Education Officer will be held fully and personally responsible for the lapse. This rigid administrative stance ensures a complete lockout of IT educators from state-run secondary schools. While the infrastructure for IT labs remains in place, the lack of human resources and financial backing means that for thousands of government school students, the new academic year will begin with a closed sign on their computer lab doors, leaving the Digital India mission at a standstill in the heart of Madhya Pradesh.