Hyderabad: In a unique display of protest, Samagra Shiksha workers took to the streets of Hyderabad on Wednesday, carrying traditional ‘Bonalu’ offerings to highlight their long-standing demand for job regularisation. The stir marked a significant escalation in their two-week-long agitation across Telangana.
Around 19,000 workers, including cluster resource persons, part-time instructors, and data entry operators, are awaiting the state govt’s fulfillment of its pre-election promise to regularise their employment. These workers, who hold diplomas and play key roles in the education system, claim they are underpaid compared to regular govt teachers.
“We have dedicated over a decade to the education department, working relentlessly to improve the quality of education in govt schools. Despite our qualifications and commitment, we are still treated as temporary workers,” said Prashant Kumar, a protester from Warangal. The protest is expected to grow as non-teaching staff from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya schools prepare to join the movement. “Many of our colleagues are struggling to make ends meet. We earn barely what regular govt employees receive for similar work,” said Anil Chary.
When contacted, a senior official from school education department remarked, “The decision on regularisation must be made by the govt.” The official’s response indicates that the matter remains under review at higher levels of administration.
Many of our colleagues are struggling to make ends meet. We earn barely what regular govt employees receive for similar work. The govt must honour its commitment to regularisation immediately”
