Punjab computer teachers announce protest over pending demands
Plan to gherao Chief Minister’s residence on November 24
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, November 22, 2024: Computer teachers from across Punjab have intensified their protest against the state government’s unfulfilled promises, vowing to escalate their agitation. Hundreds of teachers, who have been on a hunger strike outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Sangrur for the past 84 days, have now decided to protest before the CM’s residence on November 24.
Leaders of the Computer Teachers’ Sangharsh Committee, including Parmvir Singh Pammi, Jony Singla, Pradeep Kumar Maluka, Rajwant Kaur, and others, criticized the government for failing to implement assurances made by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. They stated that despite a meeting on November 5 where the Minister promised to resolve their demands within days, no concrete action has been taken even after two weeks.
The teachers further expressed their frustration over the cancellation of a panel meeting scheduled for November 20, calling it a breach of trust. They accused the government of not honouring pre-election commitments, noting that Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains had promised in September 2022 to fulfill their demands by Diwali—a promise that remains unfulfilled even after three Diwalis.
The protesting teachers clarified that their demands are not new. They seek implementation of all benefits listed in their regularization orders, including those under the Sixth Pay Commission and unconditional and immediate merger into the Education Department.
They warned that if their demands are not met by November 24, they will stage an indefinite protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence. The teachers stated they would not settle for further assurances but require formal documentation of action taken on their demands.