Protesters stand their ground, continue fast

Continuing their agitation for the third consecutive day on Wednesday in support of their charter of demands, several teachers fainted and were admitted to hospital.

Over 1,000 secondary grade teachers have been protesting since Monday in the city demanding that the government grant equal pay to those appointed after June 2009 and to those who had been working even before the cut-off date.

The agitating teachers said that there was a huge difference between the salaries paid to secondary grade teachers who were appointed prior to June 2009 and later.

‘Violation of statute’

They alleged that denying equal pay for equal work amounted to violation of their constitutional rights.

When the teachers attempted to lay siege to the Directorate of Public Instruction on Monday, they were arrested by the police and detained at Rajarathinam Stadium.

Even under detention, the striking teachers continued their fast from Monday night. Later, they were shifted to the premises of the Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Nungambakkam, where they continued their agitation on Wednesday.

Over 70 of them, who fainted, were admitted to government hospitals for treatment.