The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : State urged to help teachers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 25, 2007
ePaper

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

State urged to help teachers

Ramaiah wants State to be considerate to their demands

HYDERABAD: Member of Legislative Council (MLC) and Chairman of Progressive Democratic Front, Chukka Ramaiah, has urged the Government not to force the teachers to come onto the roads even for small issues and rather save precious academic days by addressing to their genuine demands.

Extending support to the UTF’s proposed rally, Mr. Ramaiah said it was unfortunate that students were suffering as the teachers are forced to take to agitation path for issues concerning the education sector and not their alone. “One can understand Government’s dilemma on serious issues like combined service rules or transfers but not issues that can be solved sitting across the table and without any immediate financial burden,” he said.

He said it was unfair on part of the Government not to consider the two-year apprentice period of teachers for pension eligibility. “Despite no immediate financial burden the Government was not agreeing to this major demand that would benefit 1.7 lakh teachers.” He suggested to the Government that the UTF be called for talks immediately so that all issues could be solved amicably. “I have already written to the School Education Minister and the Finance Minister apart from the Chief Secretary in this regard,” he said.

Mr. Ramaiah said thousands of posts are vacant while there are no subject teachers in 5,000 high schools indicating the poor quality of education being offered.

But the Government is not bothered. He reminded that contract teachers or vidya volunteers cannot substitute teachers.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail