Teachers protest over pension, promotions and pay parity
The key demand was the immediate implementation of the old pension scheme (OPS). Protesters criticized the state-appointed three-member committee formed to study the reintroduction of OPS, alleging that the panel had failed to function effectively. They urged the govt not to extend the committee's term unnecessarily. Other demands included restoration of pay parity for secondary teachers withdrawn by the Centre, scrapping of GO 243 that prevents teacher promotions, resolution of pay discrepancies, filling of teaching vacancies, and cancellation of the rule mandating immediate release of retiring teachers—arguing it affects student learning mid-academic year.
District secretary of the organisation, Neelakandan, who spoke demanded that the merit-based promotion case pending in Supreme Court be expedited. Concerns were also raised about the use of P-shaped classrooms, which they said were deemed unfit by medical professionals. The protesters warned that a massive blockade would be staged at Fort St George in Chennai in August if the demands were not met.
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India.com
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The Hindu
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Assam's Foreigners' Tribunals disregard constitutional safeguards: report
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Time of India
an hour ago
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AUT writes to CM on withdrawal of SLP in SC
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