Teachers Present, Promises Absent

1. Exemption from TET for existing teachers
2. Implementation of OPS after canceling CPS
3. Withdrawal of the current Education Policy (NEP)
4. Voting rights for school teachers in Teacher MLC elections, with candidates being teachers only
5. Halt mergers and school closures
6. Avoid assigning administrative tasks to teachers
7. Regularization of contract staff with minimum wages
8. Resolve issues with a deadline 
9. 
   
10. Unions to march to the Parliament  in Delhi on Feb 5

Teachers’ associations across India are gearing up for a major protest to demand solutions to long-standing issues in the education sector. Thirty-five teachers’ unions have come together under the All India Joint Action Committee of Teachers’ Organisations (AIJACTO) to launch a coordinated movement. The unions plan to march to the Parliament  in Delhi on February 5 to highlight unresolved problems in the education system. Following this, a meeting of all state teachers’ associations on February 10 will form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to oversee further agitation and actions. Teachers from various states are expected to participate in the Delhi march, presenting a unified front to press for their demands.

Teachers allege that many issues have remained unresolved since the KCR government. Promises made during elections by the Congress to address education and teacher-related problems within months have yet to be fulfilled, despite two years in office. Key concerns include delays in teacher transfers, promotions, and the implementation of manifesto pledges, with the exception of first-date salaries. Although two Dearness Allowances (DAs) were recently announced, four more remain pending, totaling five DAs since January.

The implementation of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) has also stalled, even though the PRC report is ready. The government is reportedly hesitant to implement it, citing financial concerns. Teachers’ leaders are demanding an immediate rollout from February 1, along with proper discussions. The EHS scheme, finalized under the previous government, also awaits execution, with only the trust board formed and contributions fixed. Pending bills are being released in installments of around Rs 700 crore per month, but pensioners are yet to receive retirement benefits. Additionally, over 317 teachers affected by government orders remain unresolved.

Administrative vacancies remain a major issue across districts. Supervisory positions are largely unfilled, while other departments have received approvals for new posts. Currently, only three to four regular DEOs exist statewide, with the rest working in an in-charge capacity. Hyderabad is the only district with deputy DEOs, and there are just 12 regular MEOs. Many schools and districts remain understaffed, forcing in-charges to handle administrative responsibilities.

Teachers’ unions have outlined several key demands, including exemption from TET for existing teachers, implementation of OPS after canceling CPS, withdrawal of the current National Education Policy (NEP), voting rights for school teachers in Teacher MLC elections with candidates being teachers only, halting school mergers and closures, avoiding administrative tasks for teachers, and regularization of contract staff with minimum wages.

State leaders emphasized the urgency of these demands. Pulagam Damodar Reddy, TSRTU state president, said the central government should intervene either through appeals or legislation to grant TET exemption for existing teachers, noting that many teachers with decades of experience are being forced to reappear for exams. Katakam Ramesh, TRTF state president, stressed that the upcoming budget should allocate funds to resolve long-standing issues for teachers, employees, and pensioners, while also implementing the pending PRC report immediately. Chaava Ravi, TS YUTF state president, called for a large turnout at the Parliament march on February 5, highlighting the need to fill supervisory vacancies and ensure the implementation of pensions, PRC, and EHS schemes.

The February 5 Parliament march at Jantar Mantar marks the beginning of a coordinated movement, with teachers expected to arrive by 10 a.m., accompanied by several Members of Parliament and leaders of various national organizations. The protest aims to press the government for timely action on their long-pending demands and highlight the need for systemic reforms in the education sector.