Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jan 24: The Udupi District Special Teachers and Non-Teaching Staff Association and the Karnataka State Special Teachers and Non-Teaching Staff Association have announced a state-level general strike at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on January 28, demanding urgent solutions to issues faced by special schools in Karnataka.

Dr Kanthi Harish, state president Karnataka State Special Teachers and Non-Teaching Staff Association, addressing the media in the press conference held at Udupi press club on January 24, said, “Special schools receiving grants under the child-centric scheme, along with special teachers and non-teaching staff, will participate in the protest to press for long-pending demands and policy reforms.”

Key demands include the implementation of equal pay for equal work, seeking extension of all benefits available under the 1982 Grant Scheme to staff working under the child-centric scheme. The associations have also urged the government to immediately approve a proposal submitted by departmental directors to enhance grants to special schools by 40 percent, as recommended during meetings held under the leadership of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

The protesters have further demanded implementation of the Supreme Court’s order to ensure full financial benefits for special teachers. They have also called for a periodic revision of guidelines related to the Child-Centric Assistance Scheme every five years, with the involvement of experts from selected special schools.

Additionally, the associations have demanded that government grants to special schools be released in two annual installments, during June and October, to ensure smooth functioning of institutions.

The press conference was attended by honorary president of Karnataka State Special Teachers and Non-Teaching Staff Association Agnis Kundar, district president H Ravindra, and others.