Agitating teachers left high and dry
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 07 2019:
SSA and RMSA teachers who have been on an indefinite cease work strike were left dejected after they were reportedly barred from meeting the Chief Minister even though they reportedly got an appointment with the Chief Minister at 10 am today.
According to a reliable source from the Joint SSA and RMSA Teachers Association, an invitation for a meeting with the CM at 10 am today was given to the protesting teachers at Directorate of Education (S) yesterday through an Additional SP of Imphal West and as such, the protesting teachers decided to pack up the protest yesterday.
However, the source continued that when members of the association went to meet the CM today, they were not allowed to do so nor were they given another schedule for a meeting with the CM.
This is an act of insulting the protesting teachers, the source added.
Questioning how the 'Go to School' mission of the State Government will succeed when the teachers are being insulted and neglected, the source conveyed that more than 3500 RMSA and SSA teachers, who were appointed under the School Education Department are yet to get proper salaries and promotion avenues even after all these years.
How can the teachers perform their duties diligently and responsibly when they are being neglected and looked down upon, the source asked, adding that the current protest is the result of the failure of the authority concerned to address the grievances of the teachers.
The State Government and the authority concerned will have to bear all the responsibilities for any unwanted incidents which might occur, the source warned.
It may be mentioned that a large number of RMSA and SSA teachers attempted to block the Chief Minister while he was on his way for a programme organised at KVIC office, Lamphel, which resulted in police firing tear gas shells to disperse the protesting teachers.
Later, the situation was brought under control after an appointment with the CM today was provided to the agitating teachers.
More than 3500 SSA and RMSA teachers have been on an indefinite cease work strike since February 4, demanding payment of proper salaries, promotion opportunities and for absorption under the School Education Department.
Even though most of the Government schools have already started their academic session, the protest by the teachers has led to great inconvenience for the students and the schools.
Except for some school in the valley, RMSA and SSA teachers are the main backbone of the schools located in remote parts of the valley and hills.
SSA and RMSA teachers are even posted at various schools, including Higher Secondary schools in Imphal area.
Teachers who are posted in far off places are also utilised at schools which do not have sanctioned posts.
At a time when students of many Government schools are facing lack of adequate textbooks, the cease work strike by the teachers have compounded the misery of the students.
It has been reported that students of some schools have even started a protest from today demanding the State Government to ensure a proper education atmosphere by coming to an agreement with the agitating teachers.