Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 24: Special teachers and the non-teachers association along with Karnataka State Union of Service Institutions for the Differently Abled members have announced to hold a one-day symbolic strike demanding hike in the wage of the teachers. The strike will be held on December 2 in front of the DC office in Manipal. The Okkoota members will also be boycotting the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is celebrated on December 3, said state president of special educators Okkoota Dr Kanthi Harish.
She was speaking at the Udupi press club here on Tuesday, November 24. Dr Kanthi said, "The special teachers are being paid a very low salary of Rs 13,500. This is not enough for anything. As many as 141 special schools are getting government grants from disabled and senior citizen empowerment departments under the Child Care Subsidy project." She also alleged that the central government does not pay minimum wages to the special educators and non-teaching staff working in these institutions.
"When Siddaramaiah was the chief minister, he had increased the salary of the teachers to Rs 13,500 and Rs 9,000 for the non-teaching staff in 2013-14. Post that, no other government has given provided an increment in the salary. Last year, we decided to boycott the International Day of Persons with Disabilities but after Leelavathi, who was the past president convinced us to not do so and we withdrew the protest."
Shashikala who is mother to a special child is also running special schools. We conveyed the problems to her as she is the minister of the department for empowerment of differently abled and senior citizens of Karnataka. She has given her word that she will fix the problem and put sincere efforts in solving problems. However, she has done nothing for the welfare of the special teachers, said Kanthi Harish.
Dr Vasanth Kumar Shetty general secretary, special teachers’ Okkoota said, "There is not a single government school dedicated for the differently-abled people in the state. All such schools are operated by NGOs. Over 2,000 to 2,500 special educators and more than 4,000 to 5,000 caretakers are working in these types of institutions. We have been urging the government for six years to pay heed to our appeals. How will a teacher survive in society like this?" he questioned.
Agnes Kundar honourary president, Reshma district president, Dakshina Kannada, Jaya Vijaya were present on the dais.