Panel to look into demands of vocational teachers

A committee, headed by State Project Director Samagra Shiksha, will look into the demand of vocational teachers to oust service provider private companies through which these teachers have been engaged by the government. Vocational teachers have been engaged through 17 service provider companies in the state.

“Once the committee looks into the matter and makes the recommendation, we will take up the matter with the Government of India,” said Education Minister Rohit Thakur today.

Vocational teachers sat on a protest for more than a week in Shimla a few days back, demanding removal of the private companies as an intermediary between them and the government. They ended the protest only after education minister assured them to look into their concerns.

Apart from constituting a committee to look into the main demand of the vocational teachers, the government has agreed to enhance the annual holidays granted to these teachers from 20 to 30. “Also, we have agreed in principal to enhance the recruitment age for vocational teachers from 37 to 45 years,” said Thakur.

Vocational courses started in the government schools of the state in 2013 to enhance the employment options for the students. Vocational courses are offered from Class IX onwards till Class XII.