The affected teachers only want their due salaries. They would not object if the government chooses to discontinue the scheme later.
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW — Approximately 21,000 madrassa teachers in Uttar Pradesh have not been paid their salaries for the last 78 months.
Frustrated by the prolonged non-payment of their wages, the teachers have resorted to protest, calling for an urgent and satisfactory resolution of the issue.
Shahnaz, hailing from Jaunpur, claimed that she has not received her salary from either the central or state government for the past 78 months.
The affected teachers, she said, are struggling to meet their basic needs. Shahnaz emphasised that the financial burden has adversely affected students, pushing some into debts for their education and healthcare expenses.
Despite multiple meetings with state ministers, Shahnaz claims that the assurances given have not translated into tangible results. She implored the government to compensate the teachers for the period they have devoted to teaching in madrassas forthwith.
The state government contributes 40% of the teachers’ salaries, while the central government covers the remaining 60%. The teachers hoped that the government would fulfill its financial commitments, but their protests and efforts have yet to yield positive results.
Shahnaz, highlighting the diverse composition of Madrassa Modern Teachers, stated that around 40% of the teachers are Hindus, challenging any perception of religious bias. Expressing concern, she asserted that the rights of all teachers were at stake, emphasising that discrimination based on religion should not be a factor.
A protesting teacher said the affected teachers only want their due salaries. They would not object if the government chooses to discontinue the scheme later.
However, the future of about 21,000 madrassa teachers is at stake as, due to age factor, they may find it challenging to secure alternative employment.
