Computer teachers seek release of salary dues

The members of the Karnataka State Computer Teachers’ Association (KSCTA) staged a demonstration on the premises of the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in the City on Monday seeking immediate release of their salaries for the past four months.

Under a Central government scheme to impart computer education to schools and PU college students in the State, the Information Computer Technology (ICT) programme was launched in 2009 and, around 2,500 computer teachers were recruited.

But, a couple of months ago the government outsourced the project to private firms. Fearing that they may lose their jobs due to outsourcing of the work, computer teachers had resorted to a strike in September.

Phase two of the ICT programme will end in December and the Association wants the government to continue the services of all 2,500 teachers in the third phase.
The ICT scheme should be a permanent feature, the Association added.

‘Settle our wages’

“We want immediate cancellation of the government’s agreement with private firms and, immediate settlement of our wages that has been pending for four months,” said S Varalakshmi, President, KSCTA.

The Association has also urged the government to hike the salary of the teachers from the existing Rs 3,300 to Rs 10,000 a month.

The Commissioner for Public Instruction met the Association members and assured them that he would look into the matter. 

“The commissioner has given us only an oral assurance. If our demands are not met with, we will intensify the protest in February,” said Varalakshmi.