Sikkim: Will BJP, SKM break ties over adhoc teachers’ issue?

GANGTOK: For the past two years, the Bharatiya Janata Party and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha have been running what they term as “the double engine government” as allies in Sikkim. In these two years, the two parties have been on the same page over almost every issue, but for the first time, BJP has come down heavily on the SKM government’s failure to resolve the protesting Adhoc teachers’ issue.

In a press conference on Sunday, the BJP gave the SKM government 48 hours to resolve the issue of protesting Adhoc teachers demanding their extension of services since the start of this month.

“Schools are opening from tomorrow (September 6) and teachers are still in protest as their issue has not been addressed by the State government. Resolve this issue within the next 48 hours, we request the government. If you cannot do so, we will hold another press meet on September 8 in a more serious manner,” said Sikkim BJP spokesperson Raju Giri.

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The national party condemned the unfortunate situation of teachers celebrating teachers day in protest on the streets. “Teachers who are supposed to teach are in the streets..this is sure to create a vacuum in schools. There is already a shortage of teachers, and these Adhoc teachers fill the gap. We fail to understand what problem the government has in extending their services. Send them to school for a month or until the interview is conducted. The interview must happen before Dasain or as early as this month’s end. Instantly declare the results, and those selected must be given the appointment as at the end, it is the students who are suffering,” said Giri.

Giri highlighted how the diplomatic suggestions presented by the BJP were turned a deaf ear by the SKM. “Our legislator DR Thapa has already given a public statement on the issue on September 4. We fear that the issue could have been resolved by the department but before it goes out of control, it must be tackled. The education minister must address the Adhoc teachers,” stated Giri.

SKM’s national alliance partner claimed that they have been facing questions from the public over the issue. “There are no differences in our alliance. But we want the issue resolved before it aggravates. It is our duty as alliance partners that no section of people faces injustices,” concluded Giri.