Mixed voices mar strike continuance

Addressing reporters, R Dass, co-coordinator, said the protest will continue until their demands are fulfilled by the government.

He also claimed the protesting members will not be cowed down by the threats of the government. “We have seen this in the past and therefore, we are not worried about the government’s action against us,” he said.

The government should immediately repeal the new pension scheme. In addition, all the arrears must be cleared according to the new pay commission, Dass added.

However, state high level committee member S N Janardhanan said the ongoing strike might end shortly.

Talking to DT Next, he said: “As practical exams start from February, teachers know that they cannot eschew their official work. There will be a question mark on the future of students.”

He said the move to appoint temporary teachers would not work as they will be unable to conduct practical exams. “Only the regular teachers would know the record of each student,” he said. Janardhanan said they are pinning hopes on an accord being reached when the case comes up for hearing before the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Monday. “Top government officials might be asked to give an undertaking like the last time in December, when the Chief Secretary gave a written undertaking on meeting our demands,” he said.

Another reason why the government will seek dialogue, he said, is due to general elections expected in April. “The government will have to provide the election commission the list of teachers drafted for poll duty. This must be done 45 days before the polls,” Janardhanan said.

Asked if the JACTTO-GEO had the wherewithal to continue the strike for long period, he said: “In 1985, the then JACTEA (Joint Action Council of Teachers and Employees Associations) struck work for 45 days pressing for their demands.”