TEACHERS SOUND BUGLE AGAINST GOVERNMENT

TEACHERS SOUND BUGLE AGAINST GOVERNMENT

21-JULY-ENG 16

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------The Bihar State Primary Teachers' Association (Gop Faction), Bhojpur, has launched an agitation against the government and the Education Department regarding teachers' long-pending demands. During a district-level meeting held on Saturday, July 19, at the Upgraded Middle School, Ahirpurwa (Ara town)—presided over by District President Krishna Singh Vimal—teachers accused the government of gross negligence in resolving pending issues. They warned that the agitation would be intensified if a resolution was not reached soon.

Unanimously endorsing the decisions of the state committee, the teachers stated that despite the state government allocating funds for the 58 months of pending UTI contributions to the districts, thousands of contractual teachers remain deprived of their statutory rights. Terming this a grave injustice, the association demanded immediate payment.

Teachers Raised Seven Major Demands: Seven key demands were placed before the government during the meeting, including:

Immediate deposit of the 58 months of pending UTI contributions for contractual teachers. Ensuring the up-to-date deduction of pending EPF contributions for all contractual teachers. Updating the outstanding EPF records for teachers who transitioned from contractual roles to the categories of 'Vishisht' (Special) Teacher, School Teacher, and Head Teacher. Immediate updating of service books for teachers across all categories. Immediate payment of pending salaries, arrears, and other financial dues for teachers of all categories. Granting transport allowance to teachers working in rural areas on par with urban teachers. Providing the benefit of time-bound promotions to teachers of all categories in accordance with the service rules.

It was made clear during the meeting that if the government fails to resolve the teachers' issues promptly, the association will further intensify its phased agitation. Under this initiative, a *padyatra* (foot march) will be organized at the district level on August 4, 2026, as part of the "Save Education, Save the Country" campaign. A massive membership drive will be conducted from September 1 to September 30, 2026. On September 25, 2026, a one-day hunger strike will be held at the district headquarters in support of teachers' demands, also under the "Save Education, Save the Country" campaign.