Vocational teachers in Himachal Pradesh protest non-payment of salaries, demand permanent employment policy

Shimla – Vocational education in Himachal Pradesh government schools is being disrupted as 2,400 vocational teachers have begun an indefinite strike protesting non-payment of salaries. The strike began on Monday, when teachers staged a sit-in protest at Chaura Maidan in Shimla under the banner of the Vocational Teachers Association. They raised slogans against the government and demanded a permanent employment policy.

Association president Ashwani Datwalia and Shimla president Dheeraj Sharma highlighted the struggles faced by vocational teachers due to arbitrary salary disbursal by private companies. Despite government orders directing these companies to release pending salaries by October 20, many teachers have not been paid, leading to frustration and financial distress among employees.

“The companies have failed to comply with government directions, depriving us of our due salaries. This situation is unacceptable,” Datwalia said. He said the companies pay salaries at their own discretion, with no fixed timeline for payment, adding to the grievances of teachers.

The Vocational Teachers Association has accused the private companies of embezzling the amount meant for salaries. In a recent directive, the state government had ordered that salaries of all employees should be released before Diwali, that is, on October 28. However, the private companies have disregarded these directives, leading to widespread anger among vocational teachers.

“Teachers are under tremendous pressure due to non-payment of salaries on time. This strike is the last resort to make our voice heard,” Sharma said. The union leaders stressed that the strike will continue until the government intervenes and sets up a permanent policy for vocational teachers, leaving vocational education in limbo.