Precarity in the lives of contract teachers: A qualitative study from Odisha, India

School enrollment rates in developing countries have increased substantially over the past few decades. However, due largely to budget constraints, hiring contract teachers has become an ad hoc , yet a popular solution teacher shortages Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Studies concerning primarily focused on their performance, efficiency, cost-effectiveness. In light of literature precarity associated with contractual employment, this article seeks explore how employment affects India. The study analyzes narrative data obtained through semistructured interviews 17 employed government-run schools Odisha, state eastern According thematic analysis data, participants experience six dimensions: prioritisation non-teaching work teaching, financial hardships, sense inferiority, anxiety about transfer, experiences discrimination desire for course correction. We argue that these dimensions contribute demoralization disempowerment teachers. also possible explanations why Odisha continues employ despite criticism. It is recommended policymakers be sensitized plight reconsider policy employment.