In a tragic incident that has sparked significant demands from educator unions, a teacher couple from Punjab lost their lives in a road accident while on their way to join election duty. The teacher associations of the state are now demanding a substantial compensation of Rs 2 crore each for the bereaved family, alongside assurances for the future of the couple's two children.
The Tragic Accident and Immediate Aftermath
The accident occurred on December 14 in the Moga district. Jaskaran Singh (47) and his wife Kamaljit Kaur (45) met with a fatal accident when their car plunged into a drain at Sangatpura village. Jaskaran was driving Kamaljit to her election duty assignment at the time. The couple leaves behind their two children: a 14-year-old daughter in standard IX and an 11-year-old son in standard VI.
Teacher Associations' Firm Demands
Led primarily by the Democratic Teachers Front (DTF), teacher groups have put forth a set of non-negotiable demands to the state government. Following a meeting with the Moga Deputy Commissioner on Friday, the associations announced their stance. Their primary demand is a compensation of Rs 2 crore for each deceased teacher, a figure they insist is non-negotiable.
Apart from the financial compensation, the associations have demanded that the Punjab government bear the complete education expenses of the orphaned children and provide them with government jobs upon completing their studies. While the state government has reportedly accepted these two demands concerning education and future employment, it has remained silent on the specific amount of monetary compensation.
Justification for the High Compensation Demand
The demand for Rs 2 crore per person significantly exceeds the standard policy of providing Rs 1 crore for an official dying on duty. Defending this demand, DTF state president Digvijay Pal Sharma explained the rationale to the media. He emphasized the circumstances of the death, for which he holds the state responsible, and the couple's financial standing.
"Both were drawing salaries close to Rs 1 lakh each and had over a decade of service left. Under such circumstances, the demand for Rs 2 crore each is justified," Sharma stated. He issued a clear warning that the associations would stage a protest against the state government if it attempts to offer any amount less than their stated demand.
The teacher groups have set a deadline linked to a promised visit by the Chief Minister. Authorities in Moga have assured that the CM will visit the grieving family. The DTF has declared that if the Chief Minister offers less than Rs 2 crore each during any visit ahead of the memorial service scheduled for December 24, they will publicly raise their voice against him.
The case highlights the ongoing risks associated with election duty assignments and has ignited a debate on the adequacy of compensation policies for public servants who lose their lives in such service-related incidents.
