Assam: No salaries, teachers cancel exams at Silchar Collegiate School

Commotion prevailed at the Silchar Collegiate School in Assam’s Cachar district after teachers at the educational institute decided not to conduct half yearly examinations which was supposed to begin today.

Irked over the non-payment of salaries since April, the teachers chose to cancel the examinations. On the other hand, parents who brought their wards to the school were left in a state of utter confusion, as they were highly concerned over the future impact due to cancellation of the examinations.

One of the agitating teachers said, “We have been deprived of salaries since the month of April. There is no negligence on our part as far as discharging our duties is concerned. Exams were supposed to be held today. The necessary steps which are to be taken before examinations such as completion of courses, revisions have been completed by us without any disturbance or disruption. But we are not getting salaries for the past 6 months.”

The teachers also flayed the role of the competent authorities in addressing their grievances. A protesting teacher said, “In this regard we have written to the concerned authorities including the Inspector of Schools as well as the DC. But despite all odds we have been guiding the students. We have done everything to guide the students in the proper manner, but we are compelled to do so (protest) today. This is not a sudden move, we have been waiting that something good will prevail. If we get the salaries today, we are ready to conduct examinations immediately. To ensure that the students do not suffer we have completed the courses including revisions. There is no lapse by any teacher regarding this.”

It may be mentioned the Silchar Collegiate School is a private educational institution, but since there is no governing body, the Cachar district administration looks after the state of affairs.