United for Justice: Secondary Grade Teachers Form Powerful Human Chain on Day 10 of Equal Pay Protest!
Secondary grade teachers in Chennai intensified their protests on Sunday, marking the tenth consecutive day of demonstrations calling for “equal pay for equal work.” Over 1,000 educators were arrested by city police as the protests escalated, underscoring the urgency of their demands. The teachers formed a human chain near the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital on Anna Salai, symbolizing unity in their quest for equitable compensation.
Organized by the Secondary Grade Seniority Teachers’ Association (SSTA), the protests have gained momentum with approximately 900 teachers facing legal actions so far. The urgency of the situation is heightened as schools prepare to reopen on Monday, yet teachers remain steadfast in their resolve. “We have been pushed to the last stage. We have repeatedly highlighted and petitioned the government to give us our due. It’s been 16 years, and there has not been any concrete response from the government,” stated a teacher from Pudukkottai, expressing the frustration felt by the educators.
The core issue behind the protests revolves around a significant pay disparity linked to the teachers’ dates of appointment. Those hired before June 1, 2009, receive a basic salary of ₹8,370, while newer hires since June 2009 earn a mere ₹5,200. This inequity has prompted the teachers to demand a rectification of this pay “anomaly.” Currently, secondary grade teachers are earning a monthly salary of ₹20,600, far below what they believe is fair given their qualifications and experience.
On Saturday, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi acknowledged the ongoing discussions with the Finance Department aimed at addressing these grievances. The teachers recalled past support from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin when he was the Leader of the Opposition in 2018, revealing that he had visited their protests and voiced support for their requests. They are now urging the ruling DMK party to fulfill its election manifesto promise concerning teachers’ salaries.
“This issue has been included in their poll manifesto. Our protests will continue until our demands are met,” confirmed Velmurugan, the vice-president of the SSTA, reinforcing the determination of the educators to fight for the recognition and compensation they believe is rightfully theirs.
As tensions mount, the situation remains critical. The teachers are prepared to sustain their protests beyond the reopening of schools, highlighting a growing dissatisfaction within the education sector that could have long-lasting implications for educational quality and teacher morale in Tamil Nadu. The demands for equal pay resonate not only within the ranks of secondary grade teachers but also serve as a broader reflection of the challenges faced by public sector employees across various fields.
As their protest continues, many in Chennai are watching closely to see how the government responds to these persistent calls for equity and justice in compensation. The outcome may not only affect the teachers and their families but also the future landscape of education in the state.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/secondary-grade-teachers-form-human-chain-to-demand-equal-pay-for-equal-work-on-10th-day-of-protest/article70470659.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2026-01-05 05:30:00
