The relay fast by two members of the ‘Computer Adhyapak Union Punjab’ has now entered its seventh day outside the DC office complex. They have stated that if their demands are not met by September 14, they may escalate their protest to a ‘fast-unto-death’ agitation.
The computer teachers involved in the protest are resolute in their decision to continue the relay fast and agitation until the state government addresses their longstanding grievances. These teachers had their services regularised in 2011 under the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Education Society (PICTES).
Nardeep Sharma, the district president of the ‘Computer Teachers Union Punjab’, expressed frustration over the lack of response to their demands despite years of advocacy. As a result, the union has announced plans to burn an effigy symbolizing the Punjab Government in front of the residence of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Sangrur tomorrow.
The primary demands of the protesting teachers include the transfer of computer teachers from PICTES to the Department of Education, Punjab; implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission for computer teachers; financial assistance for the families of deceased computer teachers; and government jobs on compassionate grounds.
It is worth noting that two computer teachers have been on relay fast outside the DC office complex, urging the state government to address their demands. These teachers have dedicated 19 years to teaching in government schools, yet feel disillusioned by what they perceive as ‘empty promises’ from successive governments.