Sikkim: Health condition of ad-hoc teacher on hunger strike deteriorates; denies medication

GANGTOK: The health condition of a protesting ad-hoc teacher has deteriorated as five of them are on hunger strike demanding an extension to the teachers who were teaching earlier in their respective schools until the walk-in interviews and other formalities are completed by SSTRB.

The teacher was identified as Rinczing Bhutia, who fell sick during the protest and faced some shortness of breath as well but denied being admitted to a hospital leaving the protesting ground.

In June, as many as 860 teachers' services were terminated in just eight months of recruitment, and protesting against the same five teachers have declared an indefinite hunger strike on the occasion of the Teacher's Day celebration across the country.

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Though the state education department inclined on fresh interviews in August it was postponed to October later.

Recently, the Sikkim Progressive Youth Forum (SKYF) and the state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party have also urged the Sikkim government to consider an extension to the ad-hoc teacher whereas the Sikkim government stated that the Adhoc teachers are not realizing the benefits of the systemic change that the state education department is attempting.

As a response, the Sikkim government has pointed out that:

1. Those who are selected in the interviews can serve for 8 years without having to sit for any more interviews.

2. They will have to serve for 8 years in whichever place they are transferred to after which their jobs will be automatically regularised.

3. There will be no break in salary during the winter holidays.

4. Big systemic changes take time and effort. This is a golden opportunity being created for Adhoc teachers.

5. Interviews are also being held for HMs and PGTs. More than 6000 interviews will take place. It takes time and faces logistical issues.

6. Adhoc teachers should participate in the district wise scrutiny to save time.

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