Computer teachers' protest enters Day 11, hunger strikers’ health worsens

A hunger strike led by a computer teacher, Jonny Singla entered its 11th day today, outside the Bathinda district administrative complex (DC office). Singla, who has been consuming only water since December 22, is protesting in support of the demands of agitating computer teachers employed in government schools across the state.

Simultaneously, a relay fast involving two computer teachers each day has reached its 123rd day. The protest is being led under the banner of the 'Computer Teachers Bhukh Hartal Sanghrash Committee'. Key demands of the protestors include — the transfer of computer teachers from the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Education Society (PICTES) to the Punjab Education Department, implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission for them, revision of the Dearness Allowance (DA) from 2021 onwards, scrapping of the new service rules enforced on November 19, 2024.

Speaking to “””The Tribune”””, Pardeep Malluka, a member of the state committee, accused the state government of making "false promises" regarding their demands. He said despite a meeting with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Secretary on November 5, 2024, during which several demands were agreed upon, no concrete action had been taken since.

Malluka highlighted, under the Fifth Punjab Pay Commission, the teachers have been receiving a DA of 148 per cent since 2021, while state government employees are being paid according to the Sixth Pay Commission. He described this disparity as an "injustice" to the computer teachers.

Jonny Singla’s health has deteriorated due to his prolonged fast, although he is being monitored daily by a government doctor. Despite this, he remains determined to continue his protest.

In a bid to intensify the movement, the union has announced plans to gherao the residence of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on January 5 at his ancestral village, Gambhirpur, in Anandpur Sahib. Additionally, a meeting with the Cabinet Sub-Committee is scheduled for January 7 in Chandigarh to further discuss the teachers' demands.

The protest continues to gain momentum as the teachers demand a fair resolution to their grievances.