Teachers likely to call off stir next week
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 08 2016:
With the State Government managing to strike a breakthrough with agitating teachers of Government aided colleges, the teachers are likely to call off their agitation next week.
Teachers, numbering more than 400, from six Government aided colleges of the State have been on a cease work strike since May 3, demanding adequate teachers and implementation of the 6th Pay Commission.
The strike was launched under the aegis of All Manipur Government Aided College Teachers' Association.
Chief Minister O Ibobi and Education Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar discussed the issue with a team of the striking teachers yesterday and the Chief Minister agreed to fulfil some of their demands.
Earlier the State Government had approved the appointment of 105 teachers for the six colleges but currently there are only 70 approved teachers, with some having retired.
Altogether 419 teachers including unapproved teachers are working in the six colleges.
The association is demanding recruitment of all the required teachers.
During the talk, the Chief Minister assured that the post of 35 teachers would be filled up.
In addition to this, the Chief Minister assured to appoint 60 per cent of the total required strength for each of the six colleges.
The Chief Minister also assured that the 6th Pay Commission will be implemented from March next year.
Though we are not completely satisfied, we have accepted the proposals of the Chief Minister, said the vice-president of the association.
A source said the teachers agreed to the proposal to recruit 60 per cent to the total requirement for each college after the Government explained the present financial difficulties.
Though an agreement was struck, the teachers are yet to call off their cease-work strike.
The stir will be withdrawn only after the Cabinet takes a decision with regard to the assurance given by the Chief Minister, said the vice-president.
Apart from the cease work strike, the teachers had also threatened to boycott the sixth semester examinations for BSc, BA and BCom.