Computer teachers fast enter 128th day, fast-unto-death by Jonny reaches 11 days
Jan 7 Cabinet sub-committee meeting to decide fate of computer teachers' protest
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, January 3, 2025: Computer Teachers Union Punjab, Ferozepur Unit strongly condemned the police for forcibly removing computer teacher Jonny Singla, who has been on a hunger strike in Sangrur for 128 days and has been on a fast unto death since December 22, from the protest site last night.
A hunger strike led by a computer teacher has pushed the state government further into a corner. Singla, who has been consuming only water since December 22, is protesting outside the Bathinda district administrative complex in support of the demands of agitating computer teachers employed in government schools across Punjab.
This act of defiance comes alongside a relay fast that has now reached its 128th day, led by the 'Computer Teachers Bhukh Hartal Sangharsh Committee.' The teachers are demanding: Transfer from PICTES to the Punjab Education Department: For better job security and benefits. Implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission: To ensure fair compensation. Revision of Dearness Allowance (DA): To reflect the rising cost of living. Scrapping of new service rules: Which the teachers deem unfair and detrimental to their interests.
The teachers, who have been fighting for their rights for 14 years, are increasingly frustrated by the government's inaction. Despite multiple assurances, including promises made by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains during Diwali in 2022, their demands remain unaddressed.
Senior State Vice President Harjeet Singh Sandhu accused the state government of making "false promises." He highlighted that despite an agreement reached with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and the Education Secretary in November 2024, no concrete action has been taken.
Divulging with details, Union leader Harjit Singh Sandhu said, the frustration amounts to the teachers as promises remain unfulfilled.
He said, there are around 6,490 computer teachers, out of which more than 100 have expired, without getting any benefit from the government of gratuity and appointment to family members on compassionate grounds. Also, several teachers have settled abroad after resigning. A good number of teachers would be retiring every year starting 30 in 2029, 33 in 2030, 50 in 2031, 85 in 2032, 111 in 2033 and so on and a maximum of 876 in 2041.
Jonny Singla's health has deteriorated due to the prolonged fast, raising concerns among his colleagues. However, he remains determined to continue his protest until the government addresses their demands.
To intensify their pressure, the union has announced plans to gherao the residence of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on January 5th. Additionally, a meeting with the Cabinet Sub-Committee is scheduled for January 7th in Chandigarh to further discuss the teachers' demands.
The protest continues to gain momentum, and the teachers are determined to fight for a fair resolution to their grievances.