SSA teachers continue with their indefinite hunger strike

Srinagar : Even after the government appealed the teachers not to resort to extreme measures like hunger strikes, the Sarva Shikhsha Abhiyan (SSA) teachers continued their indefinite hunger strike for the second straight day in Srinagar to press the government over their demands.
Earlier, the government had appealed the teachers not to resort to extreme measures like hunger strike as it has already constituted a Committee headed by Principal Secretary Finance to look into the grievances of teachers, in particular the SSA Teachers.
However, dozens of SSA teachers continued with their hunger strike and sit-in at Srinagar here to demand implementation of 7th pay commission in favour of SSA, RMSA teachers and masters and delinking of their salaries from MHRD to state sector.
The teachers said that they will continue with the hunger strike until and unless the government will take any favorable step for the teachers.
The protesting teachers said that several promises were done by the government so far but unfortunately nothing has been done. “We have been assured several times that our demands will be fulfilled but unfortunately no concrete step was taken by the authorities for the teachers,” they said.
They further stated that it is unfortunate that the government has utterly failed to fulfill its promises done with the teachers. “We were again forced by the government to hit the streets for our demands as no step was taken by them, thus leaving thousands of teachers to suffer,” they said.
Meanwhile the Teachers Joint Action Committee (TJAC) chairman, Abdul Qayoom Wani in a statement on Tuesday said that during heat and unbearable temperature the condition of many leaders is critical and many felt unconscious especially Shah Fayaz, Saleem Sagar, Pir Nisar Ahmad, Riyazul Rehman, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Gh Nabi Sofi and others.
Wani condemned the department of Health and the silence of Govt. on the pathetic condition of teachers on hunger strike.
He warned of dire consequences if any damage caused to any employee on hunger strike. Wani asked the teaching fraternity to show solidarity with the leaders on the hunger strike at Pratap Park by physical presence to encourage and give moral boost to leaders on hunger strike.
Wani urged upon Governor of the state Satya Pal Malik, Advisors to Governor Khursheed Ahmad Ganie, B B Vyas, Chief Secretary B V Subramaniyam, Secretary School Education Rigzian Sampheal to intervene personally into the matter for immediate implementation of 7th Pay Commission in favour of SSA trs, Head trs and RMSA Masters.
Wani hailed the positive statement of Advisor to Governor Khursheed Ahmad Ganie and hoped that the Governor administration will take necessary steps for immediate implementation of 7th Pay Commission in favour of SSA trs, Head trs and RMSA Masters at an earliest and the teaching fraternity is ready to give time to Govt for creation of posts and linking of Salary with State sector.
Wani said that the Hunger strike will continue till implementation of 7th pay commission. He also thanked various top leaders of EJAC for their support and solidarity with the leaders on hunger strike for their physical participation.