Salary of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers will be increased in J

Srinagar, Aug 2 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government will increase the wages of Rehbar-e-Taleem (RT) teachers in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said.

Mr Baig also announced a similar scheme for the unemployed youth of the cities and towns since the RT teachers are for far flung areas only.

Replying to a question asked by Panther Party member Haresh Dev Singh during zero hour in the Legislative Assembly, Mr Baig said the salary of Rs 1500 per month being paid to RT teachers, was less.

He said the matter of increasing their wages would be taken up in the next cabinet meeting.

Mr Baig, who is also Finance Minister, said it was proposed to have two scales for undergraduates and graduates.

Now we are seriously thinking to enhance their wages to Rs 2000 and Rs 3000, he said.

I will get the cabinet approval to enhance their wages, he said adding that though he had no idea where the money would come from.

However, he immediately added that if it will be no zero deficit budget this year.

Mr Baig said a similar scheme will be launched for the unemployed youth of cities and towns of the state.

There are unemployed youth in cities and towns who also need our immediate attention before they are over aged, Mr Baig said.

Earlier, Mr Singh raising the issue during zero hour said it was very unfortunate that RT teachers with doctorate, double MA and other degrees were being paid Rs 1500 per month while a casual labaourer was getting Rs 2100 per month.

Other members, cutting across the party lines also joined Mr Singh and demanded the increase in the wages of RT teachers.

Mr Singh threatened to protest in the assembly if the matter was not addressed soon.

UNI BAS SK KP1511