In a heartfelt demonstration of their desperation, All Assam Non-Provincialised Teachers-Employees Association held a poignant protest at Khanapara in Guwahati on Monday. These teachers, excluded from provincialization process, expressed their anguish with tears and loud cries, holding pens and chalk as symbols of their profession. Their message was clear: “Let us live; don’t let us die without means to support ourselves. If we must perish, let it be one by one today.”
Police Intervention and Location Shift
teachers had initially planned to stage their protest by surrounding Janata Bhawan in Dispur, Guwahati, as a way to draw attention to their plight. However, City police intervened, stopping them before they could reach their destination. protest then shifted to Khanapara, where teachers openly displayed their sorrow, weeping in streets and chanting for justice.
Women Teachers Speak Out
Among protesters, female teachers took center stage, sharing their personal anguish and addressing Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu directly. They implored officials to recognize their struggles and ensure fair treatment. “Please do not be unjust to us,” they pleaded, adding, “Do not bring suffering to our 5,500 teachers and staff.”
One of female protesters voiced collective pain: “We have served for 25 to 30 years without any benefits. Was it our fault to carry chalk and pencils?”
Core Issue: Exclusion from Provincialization
At heart of protest lies issue of provincialization. teachers claim that while three out of five teachers in various schools have been included in provincialization process, two are still being excluded without any justification. protesters view this as discriminatory and unjust, especially considering their decades-long service to education in Assam. They demanded clarity and fairness in provincialization policy to address these discrepancies.
Escalating Protests
protesting teachers have long been advocating for provincialization, a process that would regularize their positions and provide them with benefits such as job security, pensions, and other entitlements. This time, their frustration reached a breaking point. Despite their peaceful intent, police were on high alert and redirected them to Chachal on outskirts of Guwahati city to prevent disruption in central areas.
Teachers’ Struggles
teachers’ organization has consistently emphasized their contributions to education sector, despite lack of formal recognition and benefits. Many of these teachers have worked tirelessly for over two decades, educating generations of students with minimal resources and no financial security.
One protester explained, “We teach in remote areas, often without proper infrastructure or support. Provincialization is not just about money; it’s about dignity and acknowledgment of our work.”
Official Response
As of now, neither Chief Minister nor Education Minister has issued a formal response to protesters’ demands. However, sources within government suggest that discussions about provincialization are ongoing. teachers, however, remain skeptical, citing past assurances that have failed to materialize.
Major Protest Highlights in Table Format
Details | Information |
Date | January 20, 2025 |
Location | Khanapara, Guwahati (shifted from Janata Bhawan, Dispur) |
Organizers | All Assam Non-Provincialised Teachers-Employees Association |
Primary Demand | Inclusion of all non-provincialized teachers in provincialization process |
Symbols of Protest | Pens and chalk |
Number of Affected Teachers | 5,500 teachers and staff |
Intervention | Police stopped protesters from reaching Janata Bhawan and redirected them to Chachal |
Government Officials Addressed | Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu |
Emotional Appeals from Protesters
emotional aspect of protest was palpable. Teachers cried openly, sharing stories of hardship and sacrifice. Many spoke of how their families have struggled to make ends meet due to lack of financial stability in their jobs. Some teachers are reportedly nearing retirement age with no savings or pensions, further compounding their anxiety.
A teacher summed up their collective despair: “We have devoted our lives to teaching. Why are we treated as second-class citizens in our profession?”
Larger Implications
exclusion of non-provincialized teachers from provincialization process has broader implications for education system in Assam. It raises questions about fairness of government policies and their impact on morale of educators. Teachers’ dissatisfaction could lead to disruptions in education sector, affecting students and communities alike.
Moreover, provincialization process—while beneficial for those included—has highlighted disparities within teaching workforce. Critics argue that such policies must be transparent and inclusive to prevent discontent among educators.
Road Ahead
While teachers’ immediate demand is provincialization, their protest also underscores need for systemic reform in Assam’s education sector. Experts suggest that government should:
- Review Provincialization Policies: Ensure all eligible teachers are included in process without discrimination.
- Provide Transparent Guidelines: Clearly outline criteria for provincialization to avoid ambiguity and favoritism.
- Address Long-Term Issues: Implement measures to improve working conditions, infrastructure, and financial security for all teachers.
Public Reaction
protest has garnered significant attention on social media, with many expressing solidarity with teachers. Hashtags like #SupportAssamTeachers and #ProvincializeNow trended on local platforms. Public opinion appears largely supportive of teachers’ cause, with many urging government to take swift action.
Conclusion
teachers’ protest at Khanapara is a stark reminder of challenges faced by educators in Assam. Their emotional appeal, “Let us live; don’t let us die without means to support ourselves,” resonates deeply, not just with teaching community but with anyone who values role of education in society. As government deliberates its response, fate of 5,500 teachers hangs in balance, underscoring urgent need for fairness and reform in provincialization process.
Disclaimer
This article is based on events reported as of January 20, 2025, and reflects situation at time of writing. information presented is for informational purposes only and does not represent views of any organization or individual. For latest updates, readers are advised to follow official announcements and reliable news sources.