The Directorate of School Education in Himachal Pradesh has issued a stern warning to primary teachers, threatening strict disciplinary action if they do not cease their ongoing protest against the newly implemented School Complex System. The teachers, under the banner of the Primary Teachers Federation (PTF), have been observing a chain hunger strike outside the Directorate in Shimla for several days.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the Directorate’s Director, Ashish Kohli, has formally directed the PTF to immediately withdraw its current agitation and also to cancel a planned protest scheduled in Dharamsala on November 15. This directive comes after multiple rounds of discussions held to address the grievances of the protesting teachers.
The Directorate stated that assurances have been provided to the teachers that the School Complex System will not adversely affect their promotional avenues. Furthermore, it was communicated that all provisions of the system have been explained in detail to the teachers.
Despite these assurances and the department’s warning, the PTF has indicated its refusal to back down. Ramesh Sharma, president of the PTF, asserted that the notice would not deter them and that they would persist with their protest outside the Directorate. He also confirmed their intention to proceed with the planned protest in Dharamsala on November 15.
Director Ashish Kohli emphasized that the ongoing agitation by the teachers is negatively impacting the education of children in the 6-14 age group. He further contended that the protest constitutes a violation of the Right to Education Act, 2009. Kohli also referenced the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which prohibit government employees from participating in demonstrations or strikes related to service matters or government policies.
The Director warned that any defiance of the department’s directives would be considered misconduct, gross insubordination, and a breach of official duty. Such actions, he stated, would invite strict disciplinary measures without any further notice.
The School Complex System, introduced by the state government, has become the central point of contention. While the government maintains its beneficial aspects and has assured teachers of no negative impact on their career progression, the PTF appears unconvinced and is pressing for its rollback or modifications. The ongoing standoff highlights a significant labour dispute within the state’s education sector, with the department taking a firm stance against continued industrial action by its employees.
The teachers’ protest began as a hunger strike, escalating into a broader agitation with planned demonstrations in multiple locations. The department’s forceful response, invoking conduct rules and the Right to Education Act, signals a determined effort to quell the dissent and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of educational institutions across Himachal Pradesh. The situation remains tense as the PTF leadership has publicly declared their resolve to continue the protest, setting up a potential confrontation with the education department.
The Chenab Times News Desk
