Visually impaired teachers can give ACRs by June 12

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 6

The much-awaited Annual Confidential Report (ACR) forms for blind music teachers were issued after four years, but a majority of teachers were unable to upload the forms as the same were issued a day before the last date (June 5).

Now, education department has extended the date to June 12. Earlier, the ACR forms that were issued were for the teachers working under the ‘Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab’ programme project and the blind music teachers fail to fit into the criteria of the teachers working under the project.

Harsimran Singh, a blind music teacher from Ludhiana district said they were demanding separate ACR forms for the past four years and finally their wish was granted but the forms were issued a day before the last date of submission.

“Majority of teachers, including me, were unable to upload the forms on the website. Sufficient time should be given and since we are specially-abled, we need some extra time. Thankfully, the department has extended the last date for submission,” he said.

He further said they were demanding separate forms for the last four years as they were unable to score marks in the forms which were meant for normal teachers.

Another visually-impaired music teacher further added that in addition to the ACR forms they have been demanding syllabus, proper music rooms and instruments. “The government has been giving us step-motherly treatment. Although forms have been issued but with lockdown in force, our other demands have been postponed further,” he said.

There are 162 posts of primary visually-impaired music teachers in the state.