New Delhi: Directorate of Education has issued transfer orders for nearly 200 teachers from Delhi govt schools, with most set to join the CM Shri Schools — the Delhi govt’s flagship project to upgrade 75 existing institutions into model schools. The rest will be assigned to other govt schools across the city.

Those transferred include music instructors, librarians and trained graduate teachers (TGTs) specialising in subjects such as Hindi, English, mathematics, social science, natural science, Sanskrit, Punjabi, Urdu and computer science. Physical education teachers and special educators are also on the list. The reshuffle is part of the Delhi govt’s broader push to improve learning outcomes through better staffing and infrastructure.

Ajayveer Singh, general secretary of the Govt School Teachers’ Association, said the process this time was more structured. “When a new scheme like this is introduced, it comes with a complete plan. These schools are run as pilot projects. Hence, to maintain certain standards, teachers who are genuinely interested are selected for posting,” he said. “Applications are invited, and senior officials interact with the applicants before finalising the list,” he added.

Singh said that the reshuffling would not disrupt other schools. “If a district has 6,000 teachers and 200 of them are placed in new schools, the overall strength remains roughly the same. Some schools are prioritised, but for those facing shortages, guest teachers are appointed to fill the vacancies,” he said.

Despite the move, the city continues to face a significant shortage of teachers. Experts estimate around 10,000 teaching posts remain vacant across Delhi’s govt schools. Even after appointing guest teachers, 7,000 to 8,000 positions stay unfilled as many educators retire each month.

The transfers come nearly a year after a much larger reshuffling exercise — involving about 5,000 teachers — was ordered but never implemented. Last year’s directive—issued without prior consultation — sparked protests from teachers and political friction. Unions warned the abrupt transfers would disrupt classes and strain community ties.

Following representations, lieutenant governor VK Saxena directed that the orders be put on hold and sought a fair review. A committee was later formed to reassess the transfer policy.

“The matter got stuck due to administrative disagreements, mainly over services and planning, between different authorities. But the exercise this time is more structured,” Singh said.

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