Protesting teachers spared by Edu Dept after they promise to hold demonstration after school hours

What could have been a big blowout between the JACTTO-GEO and the Nilgiris school education department - after the latter warned the teachers against participating in a protest planned for Friday fizzled out after the association clarified its position.

The department issued a circular on Thursday warning teachers of action under 17(b) of the Tamil Nadu Civil Services rules if they were to participate in the strike and be a cause of disruption of children's education. Chief Education Officer A Nazruthin had pointed out that operation of schools had already been affected by heavy rain and landslides over the past few weeks.

With teachers planning a protest, it would affect children further, he explained. However, JACTTO GEO State Coordinator and Tamilaga Aasriyar Kootani State General Secretary A Vincent Paulraj clarified that they would be holding a small demonstration after school hours on Friday and that it is not an indefinite protest.

They wanted to push for the withdrawal of government orders 145, 101, 102 with of draft NEP and re-introduction of the old pension scheme. After receiving the clarification, Nazruthin assured that action would not be taken if protest is held after school hours.