Primary Teachers Federation announces protest on Nov 3

CHENNAI: Placing several demands like reinstating the old pension scheme and appointing trained Montessori teachers in primary schools, members of Tamil Nadu Primary Teachers Federation (TNPSTF) have announced a statewide protest on November 3.

Some of the demands of the members include cancellation of Contribution Pension Scheme (CPS) and reinstating the old pension method.

Additionally, addressing the pay discrepancies of second grade teachers and increasing the allowance have also been urged by the teachers.

Furthermore, other demands of the members are paying the 4 per cent dearness allowance (DA) as per the Union government policy, re-introducing the cash reimbursement for unused earned leaves after a year and salary hike for secondary grade teachers. Meanwhile, the federation has asked the State government to introduce all the welfare schemes and benefits to the government-aided schools as same as government schools.

“In the meeting held with TNPSTF members on Sunday, we noted that many of the demands of the teachers are still kept pending. Hence, owing to this, we have announced the protest,” said a TNPSTF member in Tiruchy.

With the current appointment of teachers in primary schools underway, TNPSTF have once again urged for appointing trained Montessori teachers. However, the Tamil Nadu government ordered to appoint qualified second grade teachers only.

Speaking to DT Next, a member of TNPSTF said, “It is imperative that the government appoints teachers with Montessori training in LKG and UKG classes. Importantly, because they have the right training and secondly because there is already a shortage of staff in primary schools.”