Congress’ Promise for Permanent Policy on SMC Teachers Fades
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The Newz Radar
Shimla: During the state assembly elections, the Congress had pledged to formulate a permanent policy for SMC (School Management Committee) teachers. However, the Sukhu-led Congress government is now stepping back from this commitment, leading to protests by teachers and affecting children’s education in distant schools.
Congress leaders, including the education minister, had not only promised to create a dedicated policy for these teachers during election campaigns but also reiterated it through various platforms and social media handles. However, with the government reneging on its commitment, the SMC teachers are left with no option but to resort to protests.
Box: Teachers Hit the Roads, Distant Schools Left Empty
Expressing their discontent with the government’s approach, SMC teachers in Shimla have initiated a gradual hunger strike. Approximately eight to ten teachers gather together, with more expected to join. These teachers, deployed in remote schools, face the brunt of the government’s indecision, affecting the education of around 2500 students across Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Sirmaur, and Chamba districts.
Awards Received But Yet Financial Struggles Persist
Even though these teachers have received awards for improving education, the lack of dignified salaries renders these accolades practically worthless. A teacher from Chamba district, Surendra Sharma, narrates his commitment to duty despite a modest income. However, the absence of a respectful salary makes these awards mere fragments without proper financial support.
Nearly 30% of Schools in Pangi Rely Solely on SMC Teachers
Surendra Sharma points out that in Pangi, approximately 30% of schools, involving 97 schools, entirely depend on SMC teachers. The situation is mirrored in other districts, emphasizing the impact of the ongoing protest on children’s education.
“We Saw the Fourth CM, But No One Understands Our Pain”:
SMC teacher Naresh Rana from Shillai in Sirmaur district criticizes Chief Minister Sukhu, mentioning that despite being the fourth Chief Minister, Sukhu fails to comprehend their plight. Rana states that in his school in Shillai, where seven out of the eight teachers are SMC teachers, they are earning meager salaries ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹16,000 per month.
Government Laments Fund Shortage Amidst Teachers’ Struggles:
Sunil Sharma, the president of the SMC Teachers’ Union, reveals that the government, under Education Minister Rohit Thakur’s leadership, formed a cabinet sub-committee to address the issue but has not convened any meetings. When questioned, Minister Thakur cites a lack of funds for the delay in regularizing the SMC teachers, leaving their fate hanging in the balance.
Noteworthy is the fact that SMC teacher appointments were initiated during the tenure of the Dhumal government in 2011. Despite their continuous service for almost 12 years, these teachers face uncertainty regarding regularization and fair wages, leading to their current street protests.
