Jalandhar: Computer teachers protested against non-academic duties.
Jalandhar: Computer teachers posted in government schools have protested against being assigned non-academic duties related to the issuance of Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Cards. The Computer Teachers Struggle Committee and the Computer Teachers Union jointly submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Kapurthala, through the SDM, Phagwara, on Monday. The protesting teachers expressed their resentment that despite not receiving the benefits and service security enjoyed by regular employees, they are repeatedly being assigned non-academic tasks. They stated that computer teachers are still considered employees of private companies (PICTS staff) and are deprived of the benefits of regular service. Furthermore, the Civil Services Rules (CSR) have not been implemented for them, yet they are being burdened with administrative and field duties unrelated to their primary role as teachers. Union leaders explained that the academic environment in schools is very demanding, preparations for board examinations are in full swing, and practical examinations for computer science have already begun. In such a critical situation, assigning additional non-academic responsibilities to teachers is not only unfair to them but also adversely affects the academic interests of the students.
They emphasized that the primary responsibility of computer teachers is to provide quality education and technical guidance to students. Engaging them in administrative tasks negatively impacts both the teaching standards and the learning abilities of the students. The delegation demanded that all such non-academic duties assigned to computer teachers be immediately withdrawn so that they can fully concentrate on their academic responsibilities. The teacher representatives further warned that if the administration does not provide a prompt and satisfactory solution, the computer teachers will be forced to intensify their agitation. They clarified that the administration would be solely responsible for any escalation of the protest. Several representatives from various teachers’ unions and organizations were present while submitting the memorandum, including Jagjit Singh, Pradeep Singh, Naresh Kumar, Ranjit Singh, Vipin, Sachin Munjal, Gurmeet Ram, Sanjeev Kumar, Sharanjit, Gurpal, Pradeep Heera, Madam Pinky, Gurpreet Singh, Harminder Singh, Inderjit Singh, and Balkishan, along with leaders from the Primary Cadre Union, INTUC, SCBC Union Federation, B.Ed Teachers Front, Master Cadre Union, and other teachers’ organizations. The teachers urged the district administration to act with sensitivity and integrity, keeping in mind the welfare of the students and the professional dignity of the teachers.
