Excelsior Correspondent
-Excelsior/ Amin War
Srinagar, Nov 23: Hundreds of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers today protested here in Srinagar and demanded fulfillment of their long pending demands including release of salaries and regularization of ReTs.
The teachers under the aegis of Jammu Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum assembled at press enclave here and were led by Chairman Farooq Ahmad Tantray. Shouting slogans in favour of their demands and against State Government, the protesters demanded release of salaries of 45,000 teachers working under SSA and RMSA.
On the occasion, Farooq Tantray warned the Government of prolonged agitation if their demands are not met. “Our 45,000 teachers are without salaries from last six months but the attitude of Government and Education Minister is condemnable. We won’t bow down before Government nor will we sit silent,” he said.
He also demanded regularization of 10,000 ReT teachers who have completed their five year term. The other demands of the ReT teachers include implementation of transfer policy and promotions of 5000 ReT teachers.
Strictly opposing the screening test for ReTs, Farooq Tantray accused Government of misinterpreting High Court order. “We want implementation of Court order in its right way. The screening is for those who have obtained fake degrees and not for all ReT teachers. The government is humiliating the nation builders,” he said, adding “whenever the teachers raise voice in favour of their demands the government rakes up the screening test issue”.
The ReT Teachers Forum chairman said all Primary and Middle schools across Jammu and Kashmir shall remain closed tomorrow as they are going for one day strike. “Tomorrow evening we will also issue fresh protest programme,” he said.
The protesting ReT teachers later marched towards Directorate of School Education office at Samandar Bagh where they culminated their protest. A similar protest was also held at Jammu Press Club by ReTs.
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