Contractual teachers released on bail

While the women protestors were released around midnight,their male counterparts were produced in the court of district magistrate where they were granted bail.

Meanwhile,the Education department has termed the protest as “unjustified”. Defending the department’s decision of not regularising the posts,Director Public Instructions (Schools) Samwartak Singh said: “The Supreme Court had dismissed the case of regularising these posts in May this year. Hence,we cannot fulfill their demand. The teachers,however,can sit for the written test that will be held to fill around 600 posts lying vacant in the department. If they qualify the examination,they will get regular appointments.”

The Administration has also decided to relax the age limit by five years for contractual teachers who have applied for these posts. Besides,they have also been given an assurance that due weightage will be given to their experience. Giving a warning to the protestors,the Administration has asked them to stay away from unlawful activities lest their services will be terminated.

Teachers’ union condemns police action
Punjab and Chandigarh College Teachers Union (PCCTU) condemned the police decision to arrest the schoolteachers working on contract basis. Vice-President of

PCCTU,Dr Jagwant Singh,said the appointment of teachers on contract basis against substantive posts is exploitative in nature and teachers are justified in demanding regularisation. He urged the Chandigarh Administration to withdraw the cases,address the genuine grievances of teachers and show respect for the democratic rights of citizens.