Rajasthan Teachers to Conduct Ramkatha, Sparking Controversy in Bundi

• Five teachers from three government schools in Bundi, Rajasthan, have been relieved from teaching duties to assist a nine-day Ramkatha and Mahayagya event.
• The order, issued by the Nainwa Chief Block Education Officer, cites the event's religious and social importance for administrative cooperation.
• The decision has sparked controversy, raising questions about teachers' primary responsibility towards students and schools, especially amid existing teacher shortages.
• This incident follows similar instances in Bihar where teachers were assigned non-academic duties like election work and liquor enforcement.
• The move has ignited a debate on government involvement in religious events and the balance between education, administration, and cultural programs.

Why It Matters: Rajasthan's education department faces backlash for diverting teachers from schools to assist a religious event.