IMPHAL, Jan 20: The fast-unto-death strike launched by the Council of Teachers’ Association (COTA) at Keishampat Junction demanding the implementation of 6th revised pay has entered the second day today.
The government school teachers who have been assigned as enumerators in census operation have decided to refrain from their duty until their demand for 6th pay is fulfilled by the state government.
A release of the COTA stated that about 1000 teachers who are currently undergoing training for census operation at Ramlal Paul Higher Secondary School have decided to refrain from their duty following the bold step of fast-unto-death strike launched by their colleagues at Keishampat Junction.
The COTA also appreciated all those who have rendered utmost help and support to the association physically and morally.
Meanwhile, the COTA has submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur intimating him their demands for the implementation of 6th revised pay as per the memorandum of understanding signed between the state government and the JAC of AMGEO and AMTUC along with COTA.
The memorandum of the COTA stated that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the representatives of COTA and JAC on January 19 for the implementation of 6th central pay in toto, but till date the MoU has not been put into reality.
It further mentioned that the teachers have launched various agitations such chalk ans duster down, cease-work strike and relay hunger strike from November 5 onwards. However, the teachers called off the cease work strike following appeal from the Chief Minister.
The representatives of COTA also held a meeting with the Chief Minister on January 4, 2011 for discussion on the report of sub-committee on pay anomalies. Unfortunately, the teachers were not convinced that the MoU would be implemented in favour of the employees and teachers. The teachers had no other option rather than launching indefinite hunger strike to meet the legitimate demands.
It is unfortunate for the state of Manipur that while the country is enacting the right ot education to the children upto 14 years, teachers are on the street agitating indefinite hunger strike for the demand the state government has already accepted in writing, the memorandum added.
The COTA also appealed to the Governor for his kind intervention into the matter for an easy amicable solution to bring normalcy in the interest of the teachers and employees.
