Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Parliament: MP Satnam Sandhu demands recognition for private sector teachers
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 9, 2025: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu raised a strong demand in the Upper House during Zero Hour, urging the Union Government to grant formal national recognition to teachers serving in private educational institutions, stating that their immense contribution to India’s academic growth has not received the acknowledgment it deserves.
MP Sandhu highlighted that private school teachers play an equally significant role in improving education quality, enhancing research output, and elevating India’s global academic standing. “This issue is not merely about numbers but about quality,” he said.
He added that from the days of the freedom struggle to India’s march toward Viksit Bharat, teachers have continuously shaped the nation’s destiny. He noted India’s rising global visibility in academia, citing Stanford University’s list of the world’s top 2 percent scientists, which features 6,239 Indian teachers.
He further pointed out that 294 Indian institutions have been included in the QS World University Rankings and QS Asia University Rankings 2026, making India the second-highest represented country in Asia. India also secured the number one position in Asia in the ‘Papers per Faculty’ indicator, reflecting strong research capability.
Emphasizing the need for inclusive recognition, MP Sandhu said national and state teaching awards currently cover only faculty from government institutions.
“For taking the nation forward, the contribution of a teacher remains the same, irrespective of whether they teach in a government or a private institution,” he stated, calling for equal honour for private school teachers.
Citing statistics, he noted that India has 1.01 crore teachers, of whom 38.45 lakh (around 38%) serve in private schools that educate 9.59 crore students—39% of the country’s total school enrolment. With 3.4 lakh private schools across India, he said these institutions are vital to achieving the national target of 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio.
Sandhu stressed that private school teachers have also played a major role in preparing India’s future leaders and strengthening the education system.
He urged the government to either include private school teachers in the existing National Teachers’ Awards or establish a separate national-level award to formally recognize their service, excellence, and dedication to the nation.