Madras high court asks striking teachers to consider returning to work

Chennai: Pointing out that the interests of students is paramount when they are preparing for Board examinations, the Madras high court asked the counsel for the striking teachers’ associations that are members of the JACTO-GEO, to find out whether they are willing to give up the strike at least till the end of the academic year.

Justice N. Kirubakaran also asked special government pleader (education) C Munusamy to find out the stand of the State government on the demands of the teachers.

When the court was hearing a petition filed by teacher Thamizhanban relating to his service, Justice N Kirubakaran asked G Sankaran, counsel for the petitioner, what was happening to the ongoing strike by teachers.

Mr Sankaran submitted that the strike is still going on as the government is silent and is not coming forward for discussion. This is a long standing issue. They (the government) cannot simply sit at home and say no. They should discuss with the unions and arrive at some sort of solution, the counsel said.

Government pleader C. Munusamy submitted that without considering the interests of the students, the teachers were continuing their strike.

The judge said the students are at a crucial stage, where they have to prepare for the examination. How can the teachers go on strike, he asked. Poor people are affected. Those who have spent a fortune put their wards in private schools. “I studied in a government school. That is why in my swearing-in ceremony, I mentioned the name of my first standard teacher,” the judge added.

Mr Sankaran replied that the agitation is not confined only to teachers, as other government employees are also on strike. These State government employees should be paid on par with central government employees. The quantum of salary of an assistant working in the central government is paid to the teachers, who are B Ed graduates, he added.