DTF writes to CM Mann seeking recruitment of ETT teachers

Amritsar, August 31

The Democratic Teachers’ Front, Punjab, has written to the Punjab CM’s office, demanding to complete the recruitment process of 2,364 ETT (Elementary Teacher Training) and 5,994 ETT. They demanded that the process of recruitments and appointments must be completed by the higher education department on time.

The organisation had been contesting the delay in clearing the appointment of 2,364 ETT and 5,994 ETT by the state government despite the release of the merit list for the 2,364 ETT recruitments and 5,994 ETT.

The delay was caused due to certain objections raised against the advertisement and the conduct of exam of the 2,364 teachers in March 2020. The Department of Higher Education had invited applications for the appointment of 2,364 ETT meant for border area after an advertisement (dated March 6, 2020).

After several delays, the state did not declare a merit list of the 2,364 ETT though it instructed to complete the recruitment process. “The 2,364 ETT candidates have been waiting for the appointment letters for several years, some even made desperate attempts to protest and hold the government agencies responsible. The unemployed yet qualified teachers are being made to sit at home while elementary schools in the state face acute teacher shortage. Similarly, due to the failure of the Education Department, the process of 5,994 ETT recruitment is also not being completed due to various obstacles for a long time. How is this justified,” asked Ashwani Awasthi, DTF district unit head.

To push for their demands, a sit-in protest for the 2,364 ETT recruitment has been ongoing at Vidya Bhawan, Mohali, since August 20, 2024. Similarly, a protest for the 5,994 ETT recruitment began near the Education Minister’s residence in Gambhirpur (Anandpur Sahib) on August 24. “The DTF has extended full support to these protests, urging the Punjab Government to address the deteriorating education system by completing the pending teacher recruitments. Memorandums were submitted across all districts in the state to draw the Chief Minister’s attention to this pressing issue,” said Awasthi.