Despite an assurance from the State Government, the para teachers have not yet joined their duties. Approximately 5,000 Government schools in the State have been affected by the strike.
Around 2,500 para teachers in Jharkhand have kept up their indefinite strike after shortly calling it off when they received assurance from the State Government and the concerned the authorities that their demand on payment hike and job regularization would be met.
Para teachers recommenced their strike when they realised that the assurance given by the authorities are subject to Central Government approval.
The para teachers are appointed under the central government scheme of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan. Therefore, the central government approval is mandatory regarding the matter.
“We will continue our strike till our demand is fulfilled by the State Government. We have not received anything in writing from the concerned authorities. Our demand is yet not fulfilled by the government. Certain demands like Maternity leave, Provident fund and Pension scheme are still pending with the authorities”, said, Bajrang Prasad, State Vice President, para teachers association.
“We are not going to compromise now. Our indefinite strike will continue no wonder whatever happens. We all are familiar with the fact that the future of many children is at stake. The responsibility should be taken by the government”, Prasad further added.
However on August 27, the para teachers withdrew their strike when the state government hiked their salary by 25%. Yet certain demands are subject to approval from the Central Government.
“Those para teachers who all are on indefinite strike are politically motivated. The government may also take strict action against them in the near future. There demands of para teachers are already fulfilled by the State Government”, said, HRD Minister, Neera Yadav.
The para teachers’ numbers have increased almost to 80,000. Mass recruitment of para teachers over the years in the State have increased the burden of the authorities.
The para teachers’ protest started on August 22 in the state capital in order to regularize the demand of payment issue. Around 80 thousands para teachers from across the State, with there family members congregated on Morabadi ground to demand pay regularisation.