Teacher union expels gen secy, 6 dist chiefs

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 8

Facing threat of split following revolt by a section of leaders, Himachal Government Teachers Union (HGTU) president Varinder Chauhan has expelled a general secretary and presidents of six districts for “anti-union” activities.

The HGTU state-level elections are scheduled to be held tomorrow.

In a release issued here today, Chauhan said the decision of the state committee to take disciplinary action against rebel leaders was supported by elected presidents of 96 of the 128 blocks.

Notices have been served on general secretary Naresh Mahajan and presidents of six districts — Naresh Dhiman (Kangra), Sanjay Thakur (Chamba), Ashwani Guleria (Mandi), Yashveer (Bilaspur), Sanjeev Thakur (Hamirpur) and Narotam Verma (Solan).

The HGTU had appointed the election commissioner to hold the state-level elections and also informed the principal secretary (education) about the elections.

Accusing the rebel leaders of acting against the constitution of the HGTU and misguiding teachers with an intention to split the Union, Chauhan said legal notices had also been sent to these leaders through speed-post to maintain discipline and fix accountability.

He said the rebel leaders were demanding change in the venue on the pretext that Shimla was too cold, which was unconstitutional, and also sought registers of members, which are secret and remain in the custody of the election commission.

He also accused the expelled leaders of misusing the HGTU letterhead and usurping its powers to appoint separate observer and Election Commissioner and changing the venue of the election. He said all these illegal activities warranted disciplinary action and the Union acted timely to foil the conspiracy to divide the Union.