UTF warns of boycott if teachers forced into P-4 program

Vijayawada: Strongly objecting to the mandatory involvement of teachers in the state government’s Zero Poverty (P-4) initiative, the Andhra Pradesh United Teachers Federation (UTF) has warned of a boycott if pressure tactics by education officials continue. UTF leaders criticized the coercion being applied to make teachers register under the program.

Teachers shouldn’t be forced to adopt families: UTF

UTF State President N Venkateswarlu and General Secretary KSS Prasad stated in a press note that the P-4 initiative—launched by the Chief Minister to eradicate poverty by encouraging the adoption of poor families—was originally meant for wealthy citizens. “Now, due to poor public response, the responsibility is being unfairly shifted onto teachers and government employees,” they said. UTF expressed strong opposition to education officials repeatedly pressuring teachers through online registration links and unrealistic deadlines.

No progress on long-pending employee issues

The UTF leaders further questioned the government’s sincerity, pointing out that not a single Dearness Allowance (DA) was sanctioned in the past year, and that the 12th Pay Revision Commission (PRC) Commissioner has not been appointed. “There has been no roadmap for clearing Rs 20,000 crore in employee dues. Meanwhile, salary issues due to recent transfers remain unresolved, with some teachers going unpaid for two months,” they added.

Call for Ministers and MLAs to lead by example

Criticizing the government’s approach, UTF leaders demanded that Ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and higher officials set the example by adopting families themselves. “There is no record of any public representative adopting even a single family under the P-4 initiative. Then how is it justifiable to force teachers?” they questioned.

Teachers already serve the poor, even without orders

Reminding the public of teachers’ community contributions, the UTF noted that educators have consistently supported poor students and communities, especially during floods, fires, and the COVID-19 crisis—often more than government agencies. “Teachers have always stood with the people. But forcing them into programs with no proper consultation or support is unacceptable,” they said.

Boycott threat if pressure continues

UTF emphasized that while voluntary participation in the P-4 program is welcome, coercion is not. “If the pressure continues, we will not hesitate to call for a state-wide boycott of the P-4 program,” they warned, urging education officials to halt compulsory enforcement.