UTF vows to continue strike until teachers’ issues are resolved

Andhra Pradesh: The United Teachers’ Federation (UTF) has launched a phased strike, demanding immediate resolution of long-standing issues faced by municipal teachers, including GPF discrepancies, promotions, and transfers. UTF leaders vowed to continue their agitation until the state government addresses these concerns.

Satyagraha protest launched across state

The UTF has initiated a series of state-wide protests in response to the government’s failure to resolve the grievances of municipal teachers. On Wednesday, satyagrahas were organized at municipal centers throughout Andhra Pradesh, with a notable rally held in Amalapuram, Konaseema District. A large number of teachers marched from the municipal office to the Gandhi statue, led by UTF leaders, before holding a sit-in protest demanding solutions to their issues.

Key issues: GPF, promotions and transfers

UTF leaders pointed out that municipal teachers remain neglected, despite being brought under the school education department’s supervision. They emphasized the persistent issues such as GPF account complications, delays in upgrading over 1,800 posts, and the lack of promotions and transfers since 2017. They also expressed frustration over the education department’s failure to implement the 2016 service rules, leaving the teachers in limbo.

Criticism of government inaction

UTF state president Venkateswarlu criticized the finance department for delaying crucial files, affecting the education department’s ability to address the teachers’ demands. Rayudu Srinivas, a UTF state member, accused both the previous and current governments of neglecting municipal teachers, leading to continued hardship. He highlighted that teachers still face challenges in withdrawing their GPF savings, which are held under the Municipal Commissioner’s jurisdiction, calling it an “atrocious” situation.

Demands for urban MEO appointments and school openings

In addition to financial and administrative concerns, UTF leaders demanded that new schools be opened in slum areas and that only qualified municipal principals be appointed as urban Mandal Educational Officers (MEOs). They also opposed transferring municipal teachers outside their respective municipalities, calling for the reversal of GO No. 117.

UTF’s commitment to the cause

The UTF leader P Venkateshwararao vowed to remain at the forefront of the fight for municipal teachers’ rights, stating that they would not rest until all pending issues are resolved. The protest concluded with the garlanding of a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and the submission of a petition at his statue.

A large number of teachers from Amalapuram urban and surrounding areas participated in the program, underscoring the unity and determination of the teaching community in their pursuit of justice.