Vocational teachers are the backbone of India’s skill development initiative, guiding young minds into hands-on, career-ready training. However, the vocational teachers’ challenges under TMP (Training Management Partner) expose deep cracks in the system. Despite being essential to national progress, these educators are often overworked, underpaid, and entirely unsupported.
From delayed salaries to strict attendance enforcement, their plight paints a grim picture. This comprehensive article explores the real issues on the ground and outlines actionable solutions to ensure justice and respect for these professionals.
Understanding the Role of TMP in Vocational Education
What is TMP (Training Management Partner)?
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TMPs are agencies contracted to manage vocational education.
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Their responsibilities include recruitment, monitoring, training, and execution of vocational curricula.
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While intended to streamline operations, TMPs have often become tools of exploitation.
How TMP Impacts Daily Lives of Teachers
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TMP imposes strict work protocols with minimal flexibility.
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Teachers have little or no voice in policy-making or feedback channels.
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Mismanagement has led to rising cases of discontent and protest across states.
Strict Work Policies Add to Vocational Teachers’ Challenges Under TMP
Rigid Timings Without Relief
Vocational teachers must arrive before 9 AM and stay until after 3 PM—often without proper infrastructure or breaks. This fixed schedule:
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Ignores personal emergencies or health conditions.
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Prevents teachers from attending to personal or family needs.
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Offers no overtime pay for extra work.
Excessive Monitoring Through Digital Tools
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Daily online attendance is mandatory.
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Random WhatsApp video calls are used to “verify” presence.
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These tactics border on harassment and erode trust in teacher-management relationships.
Financial Hardships: A Core Part of Vocational Teachers’ Challenges Under TMP
Delayed and Inadequate Salary Payments
Despite their work, vocational teachers report not being paid for months. In some states:
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Salaries are held for 3–5 months.
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No communication is provided about delays.
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Banks begin pressuring teachers over EMIs and debts.
No Pay Increments or Career Growth
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Teachers with over five years of experience earn the same as new recruits.
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No structured appraisal or raise systems exist.
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This stagnation causes frustration and attrition.
Debt Accumulation and Personal Losses
With no regular income:
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Many teachers take personal loans to survive.
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Others borrow from friends and relatives, risking relationships.
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Essential family needs go unmet, leading to emotional stress.
Denial of Basic Employee Rights Intensifies Vocational Teachers’ Challenges Under TMP
No Paid or Emergency Leaves
Teachers face severe consequences even during emergencies:
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Leaves are not sanctioned, even for medical crises.
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If a teacher takes leave, salary deductions follow.
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Repeated absences lead to termination without notice.
Job Security is Virtually Nonexistent
Vocational teachers work in constant fear:
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Speaking out leads to instant termination.
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No contracts or legal safeguards are provided.
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Replacements are hired immediately, often without addressing underlying issues.
Extra Responsibilities Without Compensation
Mandatory HOS and GL Activities
Teachers are required to conduct:
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Hands-On Skill (HOS) training sessions
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Guest Lectures (GL) with industry experts
Despite their importance:
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Teachers pay for these out of pocket.
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No financial assistance or materials are provided upfront.
Reimbursements are Slow or Never Processed
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Teachers wait months to recover expenses.
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Many never get reimbursed at all.
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This adds to their financial burden and frustration.
Accountability and Support: The Missing Links in TMP Management
TMP’s Failure to Address Complaints
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TMP blames teachers for any failure or issue.
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There are no grievance redressal mechanisms.
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Internal audits are either non-existent or ineffective.
Dismissals Without Warning
Teachers who:
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Speak against policies
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Ask for pending salaries
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Raise quality concerns
…are often terminated and replaced. This makes teachers feel like disposable labor.
State-Wise Glimpses of the Crisis
Assam
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Teachers haven’t received salaries for over 3 months.
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Despite appeals to local authorities, there’s been no resolution.
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Many are now in debt and contemplating leaving the profession.
Rajasthan
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No clear contracts or long-term service terms.
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Months of salary pending.
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Teachers often work for “hope of payment” rather than certainty.
Himachal Pradesh
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Teachers protested delayed arrears and unpaid dues.
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Government officials promised action—but the results are still awaited.
Emotional and Psychological Impact on Vocational Teachers
High Stress and Mental Fatigue
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Constant financial pressure is causing anxiety and depression.
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Teachers are unable to focus on teaching due to mental unrest.
Family and Personal Life is Suffering
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Teachers can’t provide for children’s education or healthcare.
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Marriages and relationships suffer due to financial strain and stress.
Teachers’ Appeals and Collective Movements
Direct Pleas to Leaders
Teachers have turned to CM Himanta Biswa Sarma with emotional appeals:
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Asking for intervention to remove TMP.
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Seeking justice, job security, and respect.
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Urging reforms to save vocational education.
Protests and Online Movements
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Teachers have staged sit-ins and social media campaigns.
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Awareness is spreading, but action remains slow.
The Significance of Vocational Education in Nation-Building
Why Vocational Education Matters
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Equips students with real-world job skills.
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Reduces unemployment by matching skills with market demand.
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Boosts the economy through entrepreneurship and productivity.
Teachers Are the Foundation
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Without motivated teachers, skill development collapses.
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Vocational teachers are as important as engineers, doctors, or bureaucrats.
Real Solutions to End Vocational Teachers’ Challenges Under TMP
Regular Salaries and Direct Transfers
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Salaries should be paid on the 1st of every month.
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Direct bank transfers without intermediaries.
Transparent Leave and Attendance Policies
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Allow emergency leave without punishment.
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Introduce biometric or school-level verification, not intrusive calls.
Legal and Emotional Support System
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Establish teacher helplines and legal aid.
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Offer counseling for stress and burnout.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Act, Not Just Listen
The vocational teachers’ challenges under TMP represent a failure in policy, empathy, and execution. Teachers deserve more than delayed salaries and micromanagement—they deserve respect, dignity, and fair treatment. It’s time for the government to step in, audit TMP operations, and create a humane and sustainable framework for vocational education.
FAQs
What is TMP and how does it affect vocational teachers?
TMP is a management partner responsible for hiring and managing vocational teachers. It often imposes strict rules and delays salaries.
What makes vocational teachers’ challenges under TMP so serious?
They face delayed payments, no leave, extra work without pay, and job insecurity, which affects their mental health and family life.
What are HOS and GL responsibilities?
HOS stands for Hands-On Skill training; GL means Guest Lectures. Teachers organize both without support or reimbursement.
Why don’t teachers leave TMP jobs?
Most are bound by financial necessity and have no time to prepare for other opportunities due to strict schedules.
What reforms are needed?
Regular pay, better leave policies, teacher support systems, and accountability for TMPs.
How can the government help vocational teachers?
By removing unfit TMPs, monitoring operations, ensuring regular salaries, and empowering teachers through policy and support systems.
