Primary teachers launch agitation

New Delhi, Feb 26 (UNI) The All India Primary Teachers' Federation (ALPTF) today launched its two-day agitation to protest against the ''unjust'' provisions of the Model Right to Education Bill and press for their other demands.

The demonstrators held a rally, which commenced at the Ram Lila Maidan, in which teachers from all across the country participated.

Several teachers courted arrest as they tried to march towards Parliament Street, where prohibitory orders are in place.

The teachers said School Based Management Committee and School Based Cadre are the two provisions of the Bill which need to be amended.

The other demands included implementation of common School system, end to recruitment of para teachers in the country and to bring them to the main stream by imparting them appropriate training and implementation of recommendation of the Chattopadhya Commission by the 6th pay commission.

ALPTF President Ram Pal Singh said the agitation was being organised to draw the attention of the Government towards certain ''unjust'' provisions of the Model Right to Education Bill.

''These unjust provisions in the Bill need to be amended... The bill if passed will lead to total collapse of the administration of education throughout the country,'' he added.

He claimed that the Government had forced the teachers to take to streets as it had completely ignored their demands.

''The government has not paid any attention to the demands of the teachers. It is ignoring its constitutional responsibility ...,'' he added.

UNI