Students, parents lock two more school gates

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 29

To protest against the transfer of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) teachers, students and parents locked the gates of two more schools here on Thursday.

More than 25 teachers in the district have been transferred after the Punjab Government gave an ultimatum to the SSA, RMSA teachers that they could opt for regularisation at a monthly salary of Rs 15, 300 only until November 30 

On Wednesday, students and villagers locked Government High School in Haryaoo Khurd village near Patran and Government Middle School in Rauni village after all teachers in the said schools were transferred.

Gajan Singh, sarpanch of Haryaoo Khurd village, said, “Of the total 12 teachers in the school, four were transferred on Wednesday without any reason. Why should student suffer due to the tussle between the teachers and the government?”

At Government Middle School, Rauni, all four teachers were transferred on Wednesday. Later, Mandeep Kaur, a social science teacher at the school, opted for regularisation late on Wednesday, following which she was given back her earlier posting in Rauni village. 

Meanwhile, members of the Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha said with transfers, the government was putting pressure on SSA and RMSA teachers to accept the regularisation offer.

Vikram Dev, a leader of the teachers’ union, said, “SSA and RMSA teachers are being targeted for not accepting the offer. Teachers are transferred to the schools where there is no vacancy for new teachers.”

Meenakshi, who was transferred from Government Middle School in Kasiana village, said, “I was transferred to a school in Mandoli village but the school principal gave me in written that there is no vacancy in the school. I am relieved from my earlier school, but I don’t know where I should join.”