Those demanding similar pay scale to Centre are free to go to Delhi, Mamata tells primary teachers

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday reiterated that the state government employees will get their salaries as per pay structure of the state.

Though the Trinamool chairperson did not mention any particular category of employees, her message was seemingly directed to the agitating primary teachers who have been observing fast in demand of a pay hike.

"Those who are demanding a pay scale similar to that of the Centre is free to go and work for them. You go to Delhi, I have no objections. I will be happy," Banerjee said.

Her statement assumes significance as the agitating teachers have not lifted their agitation even after state Education minister Partha Chatterjee held a meeting with their delegation and assured them that the state government is considering their demand with sympathy and compassion.

The primary teachers have refused to lift their stir and have remained adamant that they will withdraw their movement only after their demands are fulfilled. Academics in some schools is suffering because of their movement and it has been learnt that Banerjee is dissatisfied regarding the issue.

The Trinamool supremo further made it clear that she will try her best to hike the salary of the employees as much as possible, soon after the 6th Pay Commission submits its report.

The teachers, who are members of the Usthi Primary Teachers' Association, have launched the protest to press for their demand that they should be paid at par with their counterparts in other states, where they claimed the pay scale is "substantially" higher.

A member of the association Anup Kumar Sahu claimed that primary teachers are paid between Rs 9,300 and Rs 34,800 elsewhere in the country, while in Bengal they have been receiving salary in the pay scale of Rs 5,400 to Rs 25,200 for years.

BJP leader Mukul Roy met the agitating teachers in front of Bikash Bhavan on Sunday and said that he will write to Mamata Banerjee, urging her to cater to their demands.