Shimla, Nov 4,
Over 1,100 government schools in Himachal Pradesh have suspended vocational subject classes in protest against delayed salaries and unpaid arrears. Vocational teachers are demanding immediate action from the government and service provider companies.
Vocational education, introduced in 2013, caters to over 80,000 students in grades 9 to 12. Despite its importance, vocational teachers are employed through private companies, with the Education Department engaging a staggering 17 different service providers.
Ashwani, the president of the Vocational Teacher Association, expressed deep frustration over the lack of timely payments. Despite a directive from the Director of Education on October 5th, mandating the payment of arrears by October 20th, many teachers are still awaiting their dues. Some companies have only disbursed one or two months’ arrears, while others have completely ignored the directive.
While the state government ensured timely Diwali salaries for its employees, vocational teachers are still grappling with unpaid October salaries. Ashwani Kumar warned that if their demands are not met, the protests may escalate, further disrupting education in the state.
The central government initiative, which aims to prepare skilled workers, funds 90% of the vocational education program, with the state government contributing the remaining 10%. Earlier this year, the government announced a salary hike, but the increased pay has yet to be implemented.
Vocational teachers are demanding the immediate dismissal of the service provider companies, timely payment of salaries, and the immediate disbursement of arrears. They are determined to continue their protests until their demands are met.
Meanwhile responding to the strike Rakesh Kanwar Secretary education stated that there is no issue of salary not being paid by the State Government to the company that has engaged them. Adding,” In fact their salary has been enhanced this year by the GoI. The strike is totally misguided,” he stated.
He stated the SSA has released the funds to the Companies engaged to provide the services. “If they remain on strike the State will take action,” warned the Secretary.
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