Chandigarh: The Computer Teachers Union Punjab has announced a statewide protest on July 31, including a gherao of Punjab Cabinet Minister and AAP Punjab President Aman Arora’s residence in Sunam, alleging that the state government has failed to fulfil its promises regarding the regularisation and service conditions of computer teachers.

The decision was taken as part of the union’s plan to intensify its agitation over long-pending demands. A preparatory meeting of the Pathankot district unit was held under the leadership of state leaders Rakesh Saini and Amandeep.

Teachers Allege Delay in Implementing Regularisation

Union leaders said around 6,640 computer teachers have been serving in Punjab government schools for the past 21 years. They claimed that although a regularisation notification was issued with the Governor’s approval on December 2, 2010, and regular appointment letters were issued in 2011, the teachers continue to face uncertainty due to the existing society-based arrangement.

The union also alleged that despite a High Court ruling in favour of the teachers, the Punjab government has challenged the decision in the Supreme Court instead of implementing it.

Union Lists Key Demands

The Computer Teachers Union has demanded:

• Immediate implementation of the December 2, 2010 regularisation notification and assurances made by the Education Minister on September 15, 2022.
• Release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and other benefits under the Fifth Pay Commission.
• A permanent death compensation and social security policy for the families of teachers who die while in service.

Union Cites Deaths and Retirements

Addressing the meeting, union leaders claimed that 114 computer teachers have died during the prolonged struggle for their rights, while five teachers have retired without receiving pensionary or financial benefits.

The union warned that the agitation would continue until the government fulfils its commitments regarding regularisation and other pending demands. The July 31 protest in Sunam is expected to witness participation from computer teachers across Punjab.