Teachers march towards CM’s residence, stage protest in Mohali

Mohali: Thousands of teachers from across Punjab marched towards the chief minister’s residence in Mohali Tuesday, protesting over a slew of pending demands, including restoration of the old pension scheme and opposition to de-linking of dearness allowance (DA).Under the banner of the Govt Teachers Union (GTU) Punjab, the protest began with a rally at Vidya Bhawan and culminated in a march towards the CM’s residence. Police from Punjab and Chandigarh stopped the protesters with barricades, following which teachers staged a sit-in and raised slogans against the state govt.Led by GTU state president Sukhwinder Singh Chahal and general secretary Gurbinder Singh Saskaur, the teachers alleged that policies of the Centre and the state were weakening public education, citing staff shortages in govt schools under NEP-2020.The protesters also opposed any move to delink DA from central rates, flagged delays in salary arrears, and raised concerns over recurring paper leaks affecting the credibility of examinations.Among key demands, teachers sought restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, completion of pending promotions, regularisation of contractual staff, and release of 18% DA dues. They also demanded recruitment to fill vacant posts and exemption from non-academic duties.The agitation was called off after the administration gave a written assurance of a meeting with the education department on June 9 and a Cabinet subcommittee meet on June 23.What teachers wantRestore Old Pension Scheme (OPS)Oppose DA de-linking from central ratesRelease 18% pending DAClear salary arrears, promotionsRegularise contractual staffFill vacant teaching postsAddress paper leak concerns