In a significant turn of events, 131 Lower Primary teachers affiliated with the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council‘s Primary Education Department have initiated their second round of class boycotts. This protest comes in response to a distressing situation of 15 months of unpaid salaries, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by educators in the region.
The backdrop of this protest is notable. On September 24, 2024, the Assam government cabinet sanctioned the salaries for teachers employed by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. The announcement, made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring educational continuity in Karbi Anglong. The cabinet’s approval was seen as a beacon of hope for the teachers, leading them to temporarily cease their protests and return to their classrooms.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn. A distressed teacher, who opted to remain anonymous, shed light on the ongoing bureaucratic delays. “We began our agitation today by boycotting classes since the Assam cabinet approved our salaries last September, but we still haven’t received payment,” the teacher stated. This sentiment echoes the frustrations of many educators who had initially felt uplifted by the government’s decision.
Despite the cabinet’s approval, the delay in processing the necessary paperwork by a Karbi Anglong Primary Teachers’ Association (KAPTA) official has left the educators disheartened. According to the teacher, this official has assured that the salary release paperwork will be finalized within the upcoming seven days. However, the uncertainty surrounding this timeline has led the teachers to take a firm stand once again.
The KAPTA official responsible for the salary release has acknowledged the delays but has emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue swiftly. “We understand the urgency and are working diligently to ensure that the payments are released without further delay,” the official stated.
Should the promised deadline of seven days pass without resolution, the teachers have vowed to escalate their protests, signaling a possible return to more disruptive measures. The ongoing struggle at Karbi Anglong serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by educators in securing their rightful compensation and highlights the broader issues within the education system in Assam.
