Teachers under Essential Services Act

MUMBAI, MARCH 11: Cracking down on the agitating junior college teachers, the state government today brought their services under the Ess...

MUMBAI, MARCH 11: Cracking down on the agitating junior college teachers, the state government today brought their services under the Essential Services Act but the teachers, who met with the Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray in the evening, remained adamant and are scheduled to meet the chief minister Narayan Rane tomorrow for another round of discussion.

On its part, the government warned the teachers of stern action if they failed to correct HSC exam papers on time and announced that the XII standard results will be out as scheduled.

In a press release issued today, the school education secretary, Rameshchandra Kanade, said though the teachers tried to create panic among students, guardians and other teachers, HSC exam results will be declared on time. HSC science practical examination will also be held on time, he assured.

Under the Maharashtra Private School Employees Act, 1981, section Y4, it is binding upon the junior college teachers to perform their duties, otherwise stern action can be taken asper the law, said the release. Kanade also appealed to the junior college managements to stop paying salaries to the agitating teachers.

However, an undeterred M R Andhalkar, vice president of the umbrella organisation spearheading the agitation, the Maharashtra Federation of Junior College Teachers Organisation MFJCTO, maintained that the teachers will continue with their agitation till their demands are met. 8220;As for violations of Act, we will discuss with our lawyers8221;, said Andhalkar who is also secretary to Mumbai Junior College Teachers Union MJCTU. Earlier in the day, five leaders of MJCTU met Thackeray at his Matoshree residence.

8220;Consequent to this thirty-five minute dialogue, the union leaders from the federation will have a talk with the chief minister Narayan Rane at his residence tomorrow evening8221;, said Andhalkar.

Meanwhile, Kherwadi Police station has clamped Section 144 in the area from tomorrow till January 20. The union leaders have planned a morcha to Matoshree on Saturday.8220;If our talks with CM are not fruitful, we will take out the morcha and court arrest8221;, said Andhalkar.