The “CM City” of Karnal became the epicenter of labor unrest today as thousands of guest teachers, under the banner of the Atithi Adhyapak Sangharsh Samiti, organized a state-level protest. The gathering, held at the Sector 12 HUDA Ground, saw teachers raising slogans against the government for its “delaying tactics” regarding their long-standing demand for job security.
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The Core Demand: The teachers are demanding that the Haryana government introduce and pass a legislative bill in the current or upcoming Assembly session to officially regularize the services of nearly 13,000 to 14,000 guest teachers who have been serving for nearly two decades.
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Ultimatum to Government: Addressing the crowd, state leaders of the union warned that if the government fails to provide a concrete legal framework for their regularization, the teachers would march toward the Chief Minister’s residence in Karnal for an indefinite Gherao.
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Historical Grievance: Protesters highlighted that while the “Haryana Guest Teachers Service Act, 2019” provided them security against termination until the age of 58, it did not grant them the status of “regular” government employees, depriving them of full pay scales, pension benefits, and other allowances.
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Political Pressure: With the Assembly elections approaching, the teachers warned that their families and supporters across the state would “teach the ruling party a lesson” at the polls if their demands are ignored.
Police and Administration: Heavily reinforced police cordons were placed around the protest site and routes leading to the CM’s residence and the Secretariat. While the protest remained peaceful throughout the afternoon, the administration has kept several water cannons and riot gear ready as a precautionary measure.
