Manipur teachers go on strike, demand central pay structure

Imphal, Jan 21 (ANI): The Council of Teachers' Association (COTA) has called for an indefinite strike here demanding implementation of a central pay structure in Manipur.

Earlier on Thursday, the teachers from primary as well as higher secondary schools began their fast-unto-death protest, and demanded the state government to implement the sixth Central revised pay.

"I think, we would like to adopt central pay structures in toto and the government assured this last month. Teachers, employees, women of Manipur and our chief secretary, they have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard. We demand this payment as soon as possible," said All Manipur Elementary School Teachers' Association General Secretary Ibopishak Singh.

The teachers complained the government has failed to implement the central pay structure and not lived up to its assurances.

"In the fifth commission, we were getting the central pay structure in toto, but in this central pay structure we are getting very less amount of pay. So, we are doing our strike partially. First time we are doing our strike partially and in a very mild (way), and teaching our students in the class," said L. Kananbala Devi, a teacher.

The protesters said that they would continue the strike till their demands were met.

COTA had submitted a Memorandum of Understanding to the government on Wednesday, but they have not received any response so far. (ANI)