Dismayed over consistent ignorance of their demands by the State Government, the associations of Government teachers are in a mood of confrontation now. The executive bodies of association of Primary teachers, the Prathamik Shikshak Sangh (PSS) and association of lecturers and lecturer Teachers (lTs) the Rajkeeya Shikshak Sangh (RSS) have convened meetings on Wednesday to decide their future course of action.
The PSS and the RSS are the most influential organisations of the teachers in the State with thousands of teachers as their members. Recently the President of the RSS, Ram Singh Chauhan had resigned from his post in protest against what he alleged negative approach of the State Government towards teachers. The General Secretary of the RSS, Sohan Singh Majila told The Pioneer that the teachers are agitated as the State Government is not heeding to their demands. He said that the association would decide on its future strategy in its meeting. Majila added that the teachers are in no mood to listen false promises any more now.
The biggest association of teachers the PSS is also on path of confrontation on its various demands. The association has also called a meeting of its executive body on Wednesday to discuss its strategy. The General Secretary of the association Digvijay Singh Chauhan said that despite many rounds of talks with the State Government on the issues of teachers, nothing has happened.
The association of primary teachers demand removal of pay disparity of primary teacher vis a vis other teachers, implementation of Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme and resolving the issue of upgraded schools. These teachers are also up in arms against the decision of the education department to implement the system of three tier cadre of teachers in the state as they believe that it would be detrimental for their promotions.
The RSS on other hand demands that the Government Order (GO) for granting three Earned leaves (El) should be released soon. The association also wants more promotional avenues and decision on the posting of Block and Cluster resource persons (BRP and CRP).
The belligerent mood of teacher organisations is also seen as a tool of bargain with the Harish Rawat government at the time when the assembly elections are not far away.