THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Special school organisations decided to intensify their protest against the LDF government’s apathy towards the demands of the schools. Over 1,200 people belonging to special schools in Thiruvananthapuram district held a dharna in front of the Secretariat on Thursday which was inaugurated by former KPCC president V. M. Sudheeran.
Protests were held before district collectorates also raising their demands including aided category status to 33 unaided special schools and salary hike to teachers.
They have planned an indefinite strike before the secretariat from January 25, the day the budget session of the Assembly starts.
The special school teachers in the unaided category get Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,500 per month while teachers in BUD schools draw Rs 30,650 and those in Integrated Education for the Disabled in normal schools Rs 28,500,” said a special school teacher.
Similarly, while maids in BUD schools get Rs 17, 325, their counterparts in unaided special schools are paid Rs 2,500 – Rs 3, 500. The LDF government now spends only Rs 6, 500 per year for students suffering from mental retardation, autism and cerebral palsy. But the visually challenged and hearing impaired receive Rs 1.25 lakh per year, it is said.
