Chennai Teachers Protest: Pay Gap Sparks 22-Day Standstill

Secondary grade teachers in Chennai continue their protest for equitable pay, marking 22 days of demonstrations without a resolution. The core issue is a pay anomaly where teachers appointed after June 1, 2009, receive less basic pay than their predecessors. This difference, initially substantial, has now grown to over ₹8,000.

Talks with the school education department have thus far failed to produce a breakthrough. Members of the Secondary Grade Seniority Teachers' Association expressed hope for a favorable outcome, but cited the minister's involvement in Jallikattu and officials' leaves as reasons for delays. The teachers remain committed to protesting until their demands are met.

Adding a poignant element, some protesting teachers brought their children to the demonstration, with the youngsters holding placards to support their parents' fight for equal pay. Meanwhile, part-time teachers under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, despite a recent ₹2,500 monthly salary hike announcement, also intend to continue their protests due to dissatisfaction with the amount.