UP Oppn protests over baton charge against teachers

Opposition parties on Friday protested in Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council against the alleged baton charge by the police on contractual teachers at some places.

Protesting members of the opposition barged into the Well of the House even as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that "no injustice" will be meted to anyone.

As soon as the House assembled, Leader of Opposition Ahmed Hasan raised the issue of protesting 'shiksha mitras' and alleged that they were on Thursday subjected to baton charge in Gorakhpur and other places. "Frustrated over failing to get adjusted in government jobs, they are staging dharnas but the government has subjected them to barbaric lathi charge. Two shiksha mitras have committed suicide so far," he alleged.

Following this SP, BSP and Congress members moved to the Well of the House, raising slogans.

As Chairman Ramesh Yadav's requests to restore order failed, he adjourned the House first for 20 minutes and then till 12 noon.

When the House reassembled, opposition members continued their protest and the House was again adjourned for 30 minutes.

'Shiksha mitras' (ad-hoc teachers) launched an agitation across the state on Thursday.

Later, CM Adityanath in a statement in the House said, "we appeal to the agitating Shikshamitras to remain calm and patient. Government is sensitive on their concerns and will not allow any injustice to be meted to them."

"There were discrepancies in the process of adjustment of 1.72 lakh shiksha mitras as full time teachers due to which the Supreme Court quashed their appointments. Our government is going through the SC order and trying to find out ways," the CM added.

I appeal to them not to resort to violence and start teaching in schools, he said.