It has been recently reported, after the implementation of the policy of extending the maximum age limit to 60 years for guest teachers, that the guest teachers have not backed down and have continued to protest even after the implementation turning their statements to “we want policy” to “we want approval”, also, changing the venue from Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s Mathura Road residence to L-G Anil Baijal’s office at Civil Lines.
On Wednesday, the policy of extending age limit was announced and the Directorate of Education ordered them to resume to work after their demands have been met accordingly.
Another issue was again raised on March 1, when guest teachers continue to protest for regularization of their services since the contract was bound to end on February 28, 2019. Looking at that, the directorate issued an order stating that the guest teachers can continue to work till March 29, 2019, which is the exact date of the hearing in the high court which would resolve the issue whether the guest teachers should continue to teach or not.
After this was announced, none of the teachers were observed to have reported to schools, looking at which the DoE said, “such unauthorized absenteeism of guest teachers can jeopardize the academic future of students at this crucial juncture”. Also, added, “necessary disciplinary/punitive action may be taken” against the teachers who are “not attending their duties”.
Shoaib Rana, president of All India Guest Teachers’ Association argued that these orders are “contempt of court” as the order has not been officially approved by HC.
“Manoj Tiwari (Delhi BJP chief) joined us in the afternoon and told us that we should move our protest to the L-G, as now it is all up to him. He told us that we have the BJP’s full support… We are going to be here until we get that final yes,” said a teacher.