Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar delivered a strong message to government school teachers at an event held in Tonk. He stated plainly that if any student fails to score 40 out of 80 marks, the teacher of that class will be required to explain why. Depending on the severity of the situation, the teacher's annual salary increment could be put on hold, and a posting to a far-flung location is also on the cards. Dilawar clarified, however, that the government's intention is not to burden teachers but to genuinely lift the standard of learning inside government schools across the state.
The Problem With Chasing Pass Percentages
Dilawar took direct aim at a long-standing culture where examination pass rates were treated as the only meaningful measure of a school's success. He offered a telling example: some teachers mark a student who scored just 13 out of 80 as having passed, then proudly announce a 100 percent result and present it as a personal achievement. Yet a child who manages only 13 marks is severely lacking in genuine knowledge and understanding. The minister argued that it is time to move beyond headline pass-fail numbers and shift attention to what students are actually learning and absorbing.
Dilawar Acknowledges Teacher Frustration but Stands Firm
The minister freely admitted that several of his decisions have left government school teachers annoyed. He said, "Teachers feel I bring a new rule every day. Sometimes I banned mobile phones in schools, sometimes I set minimum marks for students, and sometimes I ordered lists to be made of those who come to school after drinking alcohol or consuming gutka." He made clear that every such step was driven by the desire to improve the education system, and that decisions in students' interest will continue to be taken as and when the situation demands.
From 14th to 4th: Rajasthan's Rise in National Education Rankings
Dilawar said that over the past three years, Rajasthan has made a significant leap forward in education. The state was previously ranked 14th in the country on educational parameters, and it has now climbed to 4th place. He attributed this progress to the government's education reform policies and to the dedication shown by teachers on the ground.
Government Schools Now Outperforming Private Ones
The minister claimed that for the first time, students from Rajasthan's government schools have secured spots on merit lists. Several private schools that charge fees running into lakhs of rupees, he said, are now being outperformed by government schools. He declared that the era when private schools were seen as the only reliable option for quality education is firmly in the past. Government schools today are fully capable of delivering strong academic results. The administration's aim, Dilawar said, is to equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with character and values, shaping them into well-rounded individuals. He said he is ready to take full responsibility for these improvements.
