Protesting SSA, RMSA teachers to hold ‘Pol Khol’ rally today

Tribune News Service
Patiala, October 12

Sukhpal Singh Khaira, former Leader of the Opposition, met protesting teachers here on Friday evening. After listening teacher’s grievances, Khaira termed the state government’s decision to regularise thousands of teachers at a meager salary of Rs 15,300 a cruel joke.

Khaira said,“I challenge the Education Minister to run his livelihood with this small amount. Capt Amarinder Singh should cut his expenses by reducing the number of officers on special duty (OSD) and regularise protesting teachers on full pay scale.”

Khaira said their party would raise the issues in the next assembly session and sat with agitating teachers.

Teachers cry foul play

After the Education Department opened an online portal for teachers to select the option of regularisation or to continue working under the SSA/RMSA schemes, protesting teachers said they are being pressurised by principals to opt for regularisation at a salary of Rs 15,300. Hardeep Todarpur, state convener, Sanjha Ahdyapak Morcha said, “Teachers are being forced to opt for regularisation to justify their claim that 94 per cent have agreed to regularisation.”

‘Pol Khol’ rally today

The Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha would intensify their stir by holding a state-level “Pol Khol” rally today. Vikram Dev, district convener of the union said, “We will hold a rally to expose the government’s claims and failures in the education sector.” Teachers claimed that more than 10,000 teaching faculty would participate in the rally. 

Teacher’s health deteriorates

Health of one of the 17 teachers who were observing fast unto death deteriorated on Friday morning.  Jaspreet, was rushed to the Government Rajindra Hospital. However, Jaspreet was discharged within hours.