In a dramatic escalation of their ongoing struggle, hundreds of employees from 34 aided schools in Tarn Taran district have announced plans to court arrest after enduring six months without salaries. The protest, organized by the Aided School Employees Union, highlights a deepening crisis in Punjab's education sector.
Six Months of Financial Struggle
Since April 2023, teaching and non-teaching staff across these institutions have been working without receiving their monthly wages. The union leaders revealed that despite repeated appeals to education department officials and district administration, no solution has been forthcoming.
The financial strain on educators and support staff has reached breaking point, with many struggling to meet basic household expenses, educational costs for their children, and medical needs.
Mass Protest Planned
The union has finalized plans for a large-scale demonstration where employees will voluntarily court arrest to draw attention to their plight. This drastic measure comes after what organizers describe as "complete government indifference" to their situation.
Union representatives emphasized that both teaching and non-teaching staff are equally affected by the salary delay, creating a unified front in their protest movement.
Wider Implications for Education
The ongoing crisis raises serious concerns about the quality of education in affected schools. With staff demoralized by financial uncertainty, the learning environment for students has been compromised.
Protest organizers warn that if the government fails to address the salary issue immediately, the education system in these 34 schools could face complete disruption, affecting thousands of students across Tarn Taran district.
