Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, May 31: "The chief minister and deputy chief minister have assured the adoption of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations and Old Pension Scheme (OPS) if Congress candidates win from this constituency," MLC Puttanna declared.

Addressing news persons on Friday, May 31, at the Congress office ahead of the upcoming Graduate and Teachers' Constituency elections on June 3, he said, "With the Congress party in power for the last one year, K K Manjunath and Ayyanur Manjunath have been selected as Congress candidates, with promises fulfilled and guarantees provided by the party," he said.

"Academic issues, including the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, have been acknowledged by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has agreed to initiate action. Discussions on New Pension Scheme (NPS) and OPS have been held state-wide, considering the absence of both schemes. In January 2023, a massive protest in Bengaluru ensued for 140 days, during which teachers lost their lives under tragic circumstances. Even after pleading our case to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, our concerns were dismissed."

He continued, "When BJP leaders declined to offer condolences to the teachers, I made the decision to permanently leave the BJP. On the 140th day of our protest, I approached D K Shivakumar, urging him to extend condolences to the teachers. The NPS and OPS are integral guarantees of the Congress government, and their implementation will be expedited."

Highlighting additional challenges with the Renewal of Recognition (RR) process, Puttanna addressed the financial burdens imposed on schools, including the yearly requirement for safety letters for aging buildings, viewed as a means of monetary gain. "Teachers deserve access to healthcare facilities for themselves and their families," he emphasised.

"D K Shivakumar has pledged a sum of Rs 25 lac for teachers' healthcare expenses. While the ESI and PF were introduced by us, delays in teachers' salaries are causing disruptions in delivering results. K K Manjunath, a dedicated teacher, has contested the elections twice, narrowly missing victory. His election would facilitate our progressive endeavours," MLC Puttanna said.

Responding to queries about his party affiliations, Puttanna stated, "I have been selected from both Congress and JD(S), prioritising the welfare of teachers and students. Despite being in government, we must advocate for our constituents and navigate bureaucratic hurdles. The BJP failed to facilitate necessary discussions. When I criticised officials in Bengaluru, a prominent BJP leader from Dakshina Kannada advised against speaking out. We must persist and maintain communication. The assurances from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister regarding NPS and OPS strengthen our resolve, particularly if Congress candidates secure victory."

Harish Kumar, Sadashiv Ullal, Shubodaya Alva, Lawrence, Gafur, and others were also present.