Srinagar, May 24 : Scores of Sarva Sikhsha Abhiyan (SSA) teachers on Thursday held a protest demonstration at main chowk Kunzer in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district demanding immediate release and delinking of their salaries which they said have been kept withheld for months.
The protesting teachers said they are facing financial crisis due to withholding of salaries and that their families are suffering immensely. The protest was led by senior Employees Joint Consultative Committee (EJCC) leader Bashir Ahmad Ganaie along with zZonal president JKRTTF. Holding placards, the protesting teachers raised slogans demanding delinking and immediate release of their salaries. On the occasion, EJCC spokesperson, Bashir Ahmad Ganaie strongly condemned the “cold approach” of state government regarding the “serious issue” of non-payment of SSA salaries for months.
“How can a teacher deliver justice with his class when he is deprived of his salary for months,” Ganaie said adding that government should regulate their salaries with immediate effect and implement the announcement made by the Ex Finance Minister while presenting the state budget 2016-17. He said while Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme is fully owned and supported by the state government, “then why the teachers engaged under this scheme, are left at the mercy of central funds”.
“It is the duty of the state government to provide their salaries on time,” Ganaie added. About 42000 teachers working under SSA are without salaries since past three months giving them a tough life and financial crunch. The teachers have appealed the state government to take immediate steps for the delinking and regular payment of their salaries.