India faces a severe shortage of over 1.1 million trained teachers, which significantly impacts millions of students, especially those from marginalized communities who often lack access to quality education. This shortage is exacerbating the challenges for educators and students alike, with over 120 million students at risk of falling into illiteracy (link).

Additionally, we advocate for improving teachers' salaries and quality of life (Ref link), proposing measures such as a 32-hour work week. Our goal is to empower more teachers to become policymakers, collaborating with education ministers in each state to influence positive changes in the education system. This approach ensures that educators play a direct role in shaping policies that benefit students and enhance the overall educational experience across India.

Appointing leaders who prioritize equity can lead to policies that address these disparities directly, improving access to quality education and supporting the professional growth of teachers.

Now is a crucial time to focus on equity in the appointment of education ministers, especially given the acute shortage of trained teachers in India. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for equitable access to education and highlighted the pivotal role of education ministers in shaping inclusive policies. By advocating for equity-minded education ministers, India can make significant strides towards creating a more inclusive education system that meets the needs of all students and educators.

We aim for teachers to realize their full potential in educating others and to empower them to advocate for educational policies or become policy changemakers.