Teachers undeterred, vow to continue their struggle

JALANDHAR: An inspection was carried out on Thursday in government schools by the District Education Officer (DEO), Deputy District Education Officer (Elementary and Primary Education), CMT/BMT (Cluster Master Trainers/Block Master Trainers) along with district coordinators of the project and among others to check the functioning, attendance and other regulations of the school.

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, April 26

An inspection was carried out on Thursday in government schools by the District Education Officer (DEO), Deputy District Education Officer (Elementary and Primary Education), CMT/BMT (Cluster Master Trainers/Block Master Trainers) along with district coordinators of the project and among others to check the functioning, attendance and other regulations of the school.

However, as the state-wide boycott of “Padho Punjab Padhao Punjab” project by teachers, under the banner of Sarkari School Sikhya Bachao Manch, still continues and teachers are adamant on their demands. According to sources, the team of officials tried to convince the teachers during the inspection and asked them to take back their decision of boycott.

Meanwhile, the inspection of the schools in the district as well in the neighbouring villages and town went off smoothly. But firm on their words the teachers, who had been boycotting the project since April 2 did not let CMT/BMT and district coordinators of the project to register their entry on the visitors’ book.

Divulging the details, president of the Manch from district, Harpreet Singh said, “The Manch early in the morning circulated message on the Whatsapp regarding the officials visiting the schools. We also requested the teams to corporate with us and we clearly said no teacher would interfere in any of the official work. But we will not let CMT/BMT and district coordinators to register their visit and will not follow any order prescribed by them”.

He said the visit was peaceful but we are still adamant on our stand and will boycott the project till our demands aren’t met.

When contacted DEO (primary) Rampal said, “The visit was fruitful as teachers were cooperative. They were given the lessons to make teaching more interesting for the infants by applying different techniques. He said the teams tried to convince the teachers and asked them roll back their boycott”.

The DEO’s and other members conducted the inspection and registered details on the visitors book whereas CMT/DMT entries were not made he added. Adding on he said we are trying to convince the teachers and hope the situation will normalise soon.