Anandpur Sahib, January 5: Computer teachers from across Punjab, who have been on a hunger strike since September 1, 2024, in front of the Sangrur Deputy Commissioner’s office, intensified their protest today. Frustrated with the state government’s unresponsiveness, they staged a massive demonstration outside the residence of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains in Gambhirpur. The teachers demanded the fulfillment of their long-pending demands.

According to leaders of the computer teachers’ union, including Paramvir Singh Pammi, Pradeep Kumar Maluka, Lakhwinder Singh, Udham Singh Dogra, Gurbakhsh Lal, Baljit Singh, Rakesh Saini, and Rajwant Kaur, the government has failed to address their issues despite repeated assurances. The protest began as a hunger strike but escalated to a death fast initiated by teacher Joni Singla on December 22, 2024. On January 2, police forcibly moved Singla to Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, but he continues his fast under medical supervision. Meanwhile, Comrade Ranjit Singh remains steadfast on his death fast at the Sangrur protest site.

Union leaders revealed that Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains had promised to meet all their demands by Diwali 2022, calling it a “Diwali gift.” However, after three years and multiple meetings with officials, including Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Punjab AAP President Aman Arora, no tangible action has been taken. They accused the government of making false promises and labeled it a “deceptive administration.”

The demands of the computer teachers include:

• Full implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission.

• Restoration of all benefits mentioned in their regularization orders.

• Merger into the Education Department.

• Financial aid and government jobs for the families of teachers who have passed away.

Supporting the protest, various organizations and leaders, including DTFF President Vikram Dev Singh, Government Teachers Union leaders, and farmer union representatives, criticized the government’s apathy. They condemned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for ignoring the plight of protesting teachers while targeting the central government over other issues.

As the next step, computer teachers have announced a significant protest on January 11, 2025, in front of Aman Arora’s residence, where they plan to burn 2,100 brooms as a symbolic gesture of their anger. Leaders have vowed to continue their struggle until their demands are met.