In a surprising development, a number of Government schools in Rajouri and Poonch districts were closed by the teachers demanding delinking of salaries of Sarav Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
As per some leaders of Jammu and Kashmir Rehbr-e Taleem-Teachers Forum, the protest will continue till their demand is met.
In a press note issued by the organisation, a number of primary and middle schools remain closed on the call given out by the forum. “Majority of primary and middle schools remained closed due call for lockout in favour of delinking SSA salaries from MHRD,” General Secretary of Forum Jahangir Khan said.
He added that SSA teachers are without salaries from last four months and the forum demands delinking of SSA salaries so that SSA teachers get salaries on time. “The teachers have to wait for 4-6 months to get their salaries, which is totally against the labour laws. This causes severe problems in their day-to-day life,” he said.
The protesters even alleged that they complained to the government a number of times, but nothing has been done yet. Khan further said, “If the government further delays delinking process of SSA salaries, JKRETF will continue the protest calendar, followed by secretariat gherao on May 7.”
Education Minister Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali could not be contacted for comments.