Teachers’ protest brings city to a standstill

Tribune News Service
Patiala, October 21

Commuters had a tough time while travelling as teacher unions under the banner of the Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha, Punjab, held a protest march in the city on Sunday. The protesters virtually hijacked city roads during the protest. Moreover, proactive measures taken by the traffic police led to blocking all roads, which added to the woes of city residents.

In fact, people were at the receiving end as majority of main roads, especially at and around the Chief Minister’s residence were barricaded.

All roads leading to and streets of colonies around the CM’s house were blocked by the police fearing sneaking in of protesters from any quarter.

A city resident Abhishek, who lives in a colony nearby the CM residence said, “All roads leading to the main road have been blocked since morning. We are being held captive due to the presence of heavy police force.”

Another commuter Anisha said, “The police have blocked the road leading to my house in Bharpur Garden. Moreover, these police personnel are not even guiding commuters properly.”

Following the protesters’ sit-in dharna in the evening, the stretch from the Children Memorial roundabout to Fountain Chowk was completely blocked.

48 hours left for teachers to give option: Edu Dept

While thousands of teachers protested on Sunday against state Cabinet’s decision for regularisation at a monthly salary of Rs 15,300, the Education Department issued a warning that no teacher in the state would get a chance to give his/her option on the online portal after October 23 midnight. 

The Education Department had opened an online portal on October 9 for 15 days, wherein teachers had to give their option of either continuing with the current set up or get regularised at a monthly salary of Rs 15,300.

“Only 48 hours are left for teachers to choose between the two options. No relaxation will be given to any teachers after October 23 midnight,” said Krishan Kumar, Secretary Education.

The Education Department has advised all teachers to utilise this offer as it would cut down the probation period from three to two and a half years.

“These union leaders are misguiding thousands of teachers. All teachers should avail of this offer for their better future,” said the Education Secretary.

However, teacher unions have rejected the offer saying that there would be no compromise with their demands.

“We will not bow down to these threats. Our demands are genuine. Therefore, we will not give any option on this online portal,” said Davinder Singh Punia, co-convener, Sanjha Ahdyapak Morcha.

Meanwhile, the Education Department has confirmed that only 500 teachers have opted for regularisation through the online portal.

City turns fortress

Sensing trouble, as many as 4,000 police personnel, including six SP and 16 DSP were on toes, throughout the day. After teachers’ announcement to gherao Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh’s, residence, Patiala city literally turned into a fortress on Sunday. More than a dozen anti-riot vehicles, water cannons and fire brigades were on standby. In fact, it was for the first time that so many police personnel were deployed in Patiala ever since Capt Amarinder took charge as the Chief Minister of Punjab.