Computer teachers on hunger strike, present petition to cabinet minister

A delegation from the Computer Teachers' Hunger Strike Struggle Committee, led by senior leaders Udham Singh Dogra and Ranjit Singh, met with Dr Ravjot Singh, the Minister for Local Government. During the meeting, the teachers presented a memorandum written in blood, addressed to the Chief Minister, urging the Punjab government to address their legitimate demands and end the ongoing discrimination against them.

Minister’s Assurance

Dr Ravjot Singh, the Minister for Local Government, expressed his support for the teachers’ demands. He assured them that he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during his visit to Chabbewal on Wednesday. Dr Singh promised to personally deliver the petition written in blood to the Chief Minister, advocating for the teachers’ demands to be fulfilled without delay.

The computer teachers, who have been on a hunger strike for the past 66 days in front of the Sangrur DC office, are fighting for their rights. Over the past few weeks, they have held various campaigns and activities to draw attention to their cause.

The teachers explained that they have been advocating for their rights for 19 years, but successive governments have repeatedly ignored them. They recalled that before the Punjab Assembly elections, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leaders had promised to fulfil their demands once in power. However, this promise has not been honoured.

In an emotional appeal, the teachers highlighted the lack of basic rights and support, such as medical assistance and financial aid after death, which regular employees receive. They requested that the benefits outlined in their 2011 regularization orders be implemented, along with the benefits of the Sixth Pay Commission, and that they be unconditionally merged with the Education Department. The teachers stated that their struggle will continue, and they will intensify their efforts if their demands are not met.