11 days on, teachers hold on to demands, continue strike

Tribune News Service
Patiala, October 17

As the teachers’ indefinite strike entered Day 11 on Wednesday, they still held on to their demands. Despite suspensions and show-cause notices to members of the teachers’ union, thousands of them are still hopeful that their demands would be met soon. As many as 17 teachers, including six women, are on fast unto death. 

 Although the Chief Minister said it was the best option that the government could offer, it seemed the breakthrough would not be coming anytime soon as teachers stuck to their demands. 

Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha convener Balkar Singh said, “These are genuine demands of thousands of teachers. As we were working for the last 10 years, therefore, regularisation should be done on full scale. Come what may, we will fight for our demands.”

Daljeet Singh Khalsa, a teacher who is on fast unto death, said in a fragile voice, “We are not only fighting for ourselves, but for the generation-next, who will opt for this noble profession of teaching. Paying qualified teachers meager Rs 15,300 is demeaning the teaching profession.”

Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha convener Sukhwinder Singh Chahal said, “We are protesting peacefully for our rights. As the government is in panic, so, it is propagating false propaganda by claiming that teachers are accepting their offer.”

Teachers alleged that the government was luring them by reducing the probation period from three to two and half years and giving station of their choice.

Meanwhile, hundreds of teachers held a protest outside the residence of the wife of the Secretary (Education) Krishan Kumar at Model Town here today. Education secretary’s wife herself happens to be a teacher. Agitating teachers raised slogans against Krishan Kumar for hours altogether. Teachers also staged a sit-in dharna and burnt an effigy of the Secretary (Education) there.