Teacher unions across Punjab are escalating their protest, demanding significantly higher compensation for a married teacher couple who tragically died while on election duty. The associations have announced a major state-level demonstration after rejecting the state government's offered amount as insufficient.
Statewide Protests Announced for Justice
In a firm response to the government's compensation package, various Punjab teacher associations have decided to take their fight to the streets. They have called for a large-scale 'Insaf' (justice) rally in Moga on January 18. Prior to this main event, candlelight marches will be held in all districts of Punjab on January 5 to build momentum and show unity.
This decision follows a series of earlier protests. The teachers had already organized candle marches on December 27, 29, and 31 in three different villages connected to the deceased couple. The latest plan for the state-level rally was finalized during a joint meeting of multiple teacher associations held in Moga on Friday.
The Tragic Incident and Meagre Compensation
The protest stems from a heartbreaking accident. On December 14, English teacher Jaskaran Singh (47) was driving his wife, physical education teacher Kamaljit Kaur (45), to her election duty assignment at Mari Mustafa village in Moga district. Their car met with a fatal accident near Sangatpura village in Moga, plunging into a drain. Sadly, both teachers drowned.
The state government announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each victim. However, the teacher associations are demanding a substantially higher sum of Rs 2 crore for each deceased teacher, calling the government's offer disrespectfully low given the circumstances of their death while performing a state-mandated duty.
Broader Demands for the Bereaved Family
The teachers' demands extend beyond just monetary compensation. They are also urging the government to take full responsibility for the future of the couple's orphaned children. The key demands include:
- Funding the complete education of both children.
- Providing a written assurance that government jobs will be offered to the children once they complete their studies and reach adulthood.
The couple is survived by their 14-year-old daughter, studying in Class IX, and an 11-year-old son in Class VI.
Digvijay Pal Sharma, a leader of the Democratic Teachers Front, highlighted systemic issues. He stated that despite repeated requests to the Election Commission to assign election duties to teachers near their homes, many, including female teachers, are still sent to distant locations. "As the government is not forthcoming in giving due compensation, we decided to hold a state-level rally," Sharma explained, underscoring the frustration that led to the planned protests.
The teacher associations remain steadfast, viewing the upcoming rally and marches as crucial steps to secure justice and adequate support for the family left behind by the tragic incident.
