Teachers' fast-unto-death begins
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 19, 2011:
After more than a two months old ceasework followed by a chain hunger strike failed to move the state government, teachers of government schools have resorted to a fast-unto-death from Wednesday.
Teachers under the aegis of Council of Teachers' Association (COTA) are demanding adoption of Sixth Pay Commission in toto which the government is yet to implement even though it had agreed nine months back to do so, and employees of other departments have begun to enjoy its benefits.
Thirteen teachers started a fast-unto-death stir effective from 10 am today, a day after COTA announced intensification of their ongoing agitation.
The fast being undertaken by the teachers, of whom two are women is being carried out in front of the Modhu Girls' High School, Keishampat.
COTA's convener (publicity) S Gunamani said that teachers have resorted to this form of stir to tell the people that the SPF government is insincere of improving the education system in the state.
Employees of other departments of the state government have already begun to enjoy the revised sixth pay bands recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission.
However, teachers under the education department have been left behind.
COTA feels that this policy of the government will not help in brining any quality education in the state.
COTA's convenor S Gunamani asked how can quality education be brought about when teachers are looked down.