Computer teachers protest, burn state govt’s effigy in Nawanshahr

Computer teachers, who staged a massive protest as part of their ongoing struggle for justice, burnt an effigy of the state government in Nawanshahr on Tuesday.

The demonstration came as the hunger strike by computer teachers in Sangrur reached its 126th day, with leader Jony Singla’s fast unto death marking its 10th day.

The Nawanshahr unit of the Computer Teachers’ Hunger Strike Struggle Committee organised the protest, attracting a large number of teachers and supporters from other organisations. Protesters carried placards condemning the government’s inaction and chanted slogans highlighting their demands.

Leaders of the committee, including Lakhvir Singh and Harpreet Singh, criticised the state government for failing to honour commitments made to computer teachers, who were regularised in 2011. They accused the successive administrations, including the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, of systematically eroding their rights and ignoring their plight.

“Other regular employees have received Sixth Pay Commission benefits, but computer teachers are still waiting. Basic facilities scuch as medical reimbursement remain out of reach even after 13 years of regularisation,” Harpreet Singh said. He said financial struggles had left many teachers and their families unable to afford treatment for serious illnesses.

The protesters also lambasted Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, accusing them of turning a blind eye to their grievances despite criticising previous governments for the same issue before coming to power.

Jony Singla’s hunger strike, which began on December 22, has further intensified the movement. The teachers are demanding the restoration of all benefits promised at the time of regularisation, inclusion in the Sixth Pay Commission, and support for the families of deceased teachers.

“The government’s indifference has left us with no choice but to escalate our struggle,” said Bhupinder Singh. “If our demands remain unmet, we will launch a statewide public movement, holding the government accountable for the consequences.”