Image Source: India Today
In a poignant appeal that has touched hearts across West Bengal, five-year-old Aitijhya Das from Asansol penned a touching letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, longing for the transfer of his mother, Swagata Pain, a primary school teacher posted nearly 450 km away in Uttar Dinajpur. The child’s simple yet emotional letter underscores the personal sacrifices and hardships faced by many government employees and their families due to distant postings, highlighting a broader issue of family separation and systemic challenges within teacher deployment.
Key Highlights: The Letter and Its Emotional Appeal
Addressing the Chief Minister affectionately as ‘Mamata Didun’ (dear grandmother Mamata), Aitijhya pleaded, ‘Please bring my mother home soon, I love her very much,’ expressing the pain of growing up without his mother’s daily presence.
Swagata Pain teaches at a primary school in Uttar Dinajpur, a posting she obtained in 2021 following recruitment of over 16,500 teachers, many of whom were assigned far from their home districts.
Despite repeated transfer requests from Swagata and other teachers, no relocations have been granted due to administrative bottlenecks and limited vacancies near their hometowns.
Aitijhya lives with his father, a Central government employee, and his 89-year-old grandfather in Asansol. With no women at home, much of his care relies on a maid, adding to the household’s emotional and logistical challenges.
Family Circumstances and Challenges
Swagata initially brought her son to Uttar Dinajpur, but environmental changes worsened his asthma, prompting the family to decide he stay in Asansol for health reasons.
Her absence during key childhood milestones like school sports days and birthdays weighs heavily on both mother and son, amplifying feelings of separation.
Swagata expressed deep sadness over missing precious moments in Aitijhya’s upbringing and wishes for an opportunity to be closer to her child.
The emotional toll of postings far from family affects not just teachers but countless public servants, raising concerns around the well-being of government employees.
Broader Context: Deployment Issues Among Teachers
A report highlights that nearly 6,000 out of 16,500 teachers recruited recently have postings located far from their domiciles, especially in rural and border districts.
The practice poses unique challenges, particularly for female teachers managing family responsibilities alongside professional duties.
Transfer policies and processes have been criticized for lack of transparency and delays, calling for reform to prioritize familial stability.
Public Reaction and Administrative Response
The child’s letter has gone viral, drawing public sympathy and media attention to the plight of families separated by official postings.
Advocacy groups urge the state government to consider compassionate grounds in transfer decisions and expedite relief for affected teachers and their families.
As Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee embarks on her North Bengal visit, hopes are rising that this personal appeal might catalyze administrative intervention.
Conclusion
Aitijhya’s innocent yet powerful letter to Mamata Didun has illuminated the profound human dimension of policy decisions affecting countless teachers in West Bengal. His simple wish for togetherness reflects a universal longing for family unity and the urgent need to balance administrative exigencies with compassionate governance. This heartfelt plea stands as a reminder of the personal stories behind public service and the essential role of empathetic leadership.
Sources: NewsBytes, Indian Express, TaazaTV, DurantBarta
Advertisement
Advertisement
