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 Other demands included restoration of pay parity for secondary teachers withdrawn by the Centre, scrapping of GO 243 that prevents teacher promotions, resolution of pay discrepancies, filling of teaching vacancies, and cancellation of the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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Similarly, if a dealer or an individual is at fault, it will invite punishment of six months to one year and a fine of Rs 1 to 5 lakh for the first offence, and a term of one to two years and a fine of Rs 5 to 10 lakh for repeated offences. Previously, such an offence was punishable by a fine of Rs 500 for the first offence, with subsequent violations carrying a fine of Rs 1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months. The cabinet gave the nod to enact a Bill to amend the Seeds Act and insert Section 19A for contravention of Section 7 of the Seeds Act (Regulation of sales of seeds of notified kinds or varieties), enhancing the fine and penalty, making it cognisable and non-bailable. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo by Taboola by Taboola "It was a long-pending demand of farmers in the state who suffered losses due to substandard seeds. 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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
No FIR yet by Parbhani cops in Santosh Suryawanshi custodial death case despite high court directive
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