High drama at Chamyari school amid protest

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 22

Dramatic scenes were witnessed as a large number of government elementary teachers staged a protest to disrupt Class V examination under Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab in the district on Friday.

A massive argument took place between union leaders at Government Elementary School, Chamyari, and Deputy District Education Officer Harbhagwant Singh.

Singh had gone to inspect officials performing duties for Post Test under Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab project.

The protesters at various blocks across the district burnt an effigy of Education Secretary Krishan Kumar and protested the government policy of Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab. They said the syllabus under the Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab was an extra burden on teachers.

Satbir Boparai, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Union, said, “Various blocks in Amritsar held a protest. The policies are not appropriate. We burnt an effigy of state Education Secretary Krishan Kumar.”

Deputy DEO Harbhagwant Singh said, “The matter was solved at Chamyari. Teachers were holding the examination process which was disturbed by some union members.”

In another development, various teachers unions sat on a protest after Principal of the District Institute of Education and Training allegedly misbehaved with a female teacher at Government Primary School, Jabbowal.

SP Harpal Singh said, “We received the complaint, but both the parties reached a compromise later.”

District Education Officer (DEO) Salvinder Singh Samra said, “Both the issues were resolved. The teacher concerned had alleged misbehaviour by the head of the District Institute of Education and Training, Verka. The tests are going on for students. Officials are carrying out inspections.”

Meanwhile, a protest was held in Tarn Taran as well. The teachers, under the banner of Adhyapak Sangharsh Committee, held a rally and burnt an effigy of Education Secretary. They also blocked the traffic for sometime.