West Bengal para-teachers staged a sit-in protest in Kolkata’s Bowbazar area on Thursday. Police halted their march to the state Assembly. Protesters demanded higher wages and improved benefits. The demonstration began at College Square. It was stopped at Subodh Mallick Square. Around 500 para-teachers participated.
Protest Details
The para-teachers are represented by the ‘Parsha Sikshak Mancha’. They sought an increase in their monthly salaries. Current pay ranges from Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000. They are demanding at least Rs 15,000 per month. Swadesh Jana, a forum member, stated this demand. He argued it is not an excessive request.
The protesters also seek inclusion in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). They currently lack gratuity benefits. Pension schemes are also unavailable to them. The state employs over 50,000 para-teachers. They work in more than 67,000 primary and upper primary schools.
Assembly Incident
Police cited prohibitory orders. These orders were in effect near the Assembly. The police used this as justification to stop the march. This prevented protesters from reaching the Assembly premises. Vehicular traffic faced disruption due to the protest. Some protesters jostled with police personnel.
Indian Secular Front leader Naushad Siddique visited the protest site. He is also the MLA for Bhangar. Siddique took time away from the Assembly session to show support. He questioned the administration’s decision. “I wonder what prevents the administration from allowing a five-member delegation to go and visit the assembly and submit their list of demands,” he stated.