Thousands of government school teachers across Punjab are set to stage demonstrations outside the offices of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) today. This coordinated protest action highlights their growing frustration over a series of unresolved demands that have been pending with the state administration for a considerable time.
Core Demands Fueling the Agitation
The protest, called by the Punjab State Government Teachers Union, centers on several critical issues. The primary demand is the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for all educators employed after 2004. Teachers argue that the New Pension Scheme (NPS) fails to provide financial security post-retirement. Another major point of contention is the delay in the release of pending arrears related to the 6th Pay Commission recommendations. Educators are also pressing for the regularization of services for contractual teachers and a clear policy against the outsourcing of teaching positions.
Widespread Participation Across Districts
The union has directed its members in all 23 districts of Punjab to gather at their respective District Collector offices. The protest is scheduled to be a one-day event, aiming to draw immediate attention from the state government. Union leaders have stated that if their demands are not addressed promptly following today's demonstrations, they may be forced to escalate their agitation. This could include more prolonged strikes or larger rallies, potentially disrupting the academic calendar.
Government's Stance and Potential Impact
As of now, the Punjab government has not issued an official response to the announced protests. The administration, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has previously engaged with various employee groups on similar issues. However, teachers claim that promises have not translated into concrete action. The protest underscores the ongoing tension between the state's education workforce and the government regarding service conditions and benefits. The outcome of today's gatherings is being closely watched, as it could set the tone for future negotiations between teachers' unions and the state authorities.
The teachers' union has emphasized that their protest is intended to be peaceful but firm. They urge the state government to initiate a constructive dialogue to resolve these long-standing issues, which they believe are essential for maintaining morale and ensuring quality education in Punjab's government schools.
