Primary teachers’ chain hunger strike enters Day 17

With their chain hunger strike entering the 17th day, the State Primary Teachers’ Federation has urged the government and the Education Department to initiate detailed discussions and resolve their issues through dialogue. The teachers have also warned of a large-scale protest if the government fails to call them for negotiations.

One of the key demands of the federation is the immediate withdrawal of suspension orders and the FIRs lodged against primary teachers following the protest held on April 26.

“In a democratic system, the Constitution grants us the right to protest and voice our demands. It is unfortunate and unacceptable that peaceful protesters are being targeted. This is undemocratic and unconstitutional and the actions taken against them must be revoked immediately,” the teachers stated.

They further alleged that the Chief Minister was being misinformed about the nature of their movement and demands. A major point of contention remains the proposed Integrated Directorate for School Education, which the federation believes will harm the interests of primary teachers and weaken primary education.

“The powers of our head teachers, central head teachers and block primary education officers are being stripped and handed over to another category. Eventually, these positions will become powerless and risk being declared a dying cadre,” the teachers said.