Teachers continue to lay siege to Patiala, firm on demands

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 21

Hundreds of teachers on Sunday held a march in the city as part of their ongoing protest against the state government decision to regularise their jobs at a salary of Rs 15,300 per month for the first three years.

Seeking full pay scales, the protesting teachers marched towards Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s residence. A heavy police force halted their march at Fountain Chowk.

The cops had deployed anti-riot vehicles and water cannons to disperse the protesters in case of any confrontation, but the teachers held a dharna there, which too was lifted later.

Holding black flags in their hands, the protesters raised slogans against Education Minister OP Soni and Capt Amarinder.

Earlier, Leader of Opposition Harpal Singh Cheema met the protesters and extending support to them.

Hardeep Todarpur, co-convener, Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha, said: “The Education Department has ignored the MHRD orders, which clearly stated that there would be no separate cadre of SSA teachers because all teachers are the responsibility of the state government.” Another union leader Davinder Punia said: “It is unfortunate that the teachers have to protest in such a manner. The Education Minister and Secretary should resign for taking the drastic decision.”

Krishan Kumar, Secretary, Education, said: “We have given two options to the teachers, either continue with the present arrangement or accept regular jobs at a monthly salary of Rs 15,300.”

Meeting tomorrow

Following the intervention of DGP (Law and Order) Hardeep Dhillon and Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit, a meeting of the teachers with Chief Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar has been fixed for October 23. Davinder Punia, union leader, said: “Our strike will continue till our demands are met. We will plan the next course of action after the meeting.”