Black day was inevitable, say protesting teachers

When MLC Capt Ganesh Karnik tried to convince the agitating teachers to withdraw their protest and participate in Teachers' Day celebrations, the protesters shot back saying “We neither want your sympathy nor promises. Just fulfill our demands.”

Speaking on the occasion Jayaram Shetty, District President of the Association said it was inevitable to observe black day on Teachers' Day as the Government has failed to fulfill the demands of PU teachers.

Reiterating the demands of the Association, he said the scale for teachers should be fixed at 14050-25050. It should be implemented within effect from July 10, 2005.

The salary given to the PU College teachers and the First Grade College teachers were same before 1998. However, there has been disparity in the wages after 1998. The Association has demanded that the State Government should undo the injustice done to teachers of pre-university colleges in fixing of pay scales in the 4th and 5th pay commissions and ensure parity in wages with teachers of neighbouring State and those of Central institutions.

“It was unfortunate that although the teachers in the State had been demanding the Government to undo the injustice, nothing has been done,” he said. Owing to the negligence of the government in fixing the wages, the PU College Teachers were forced to wear black badge while evaluating the answer scripts in April as a mark of protest.

Responding to the demands, former chief minister had directed department secretary to give a report to the government within 30 days. The secretary had submitted the report to the government; however, the government has not taken any measure to rectify the disparity in fixing the scale.

“Dejected with the attitude of the state government, we were forced to observe black day on Teachers' Day,” he said.