TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar questioned the wisdom of the English primary teachers, who were appointed on contract basis, for holding a strike in the capital, saying they should first read their contract/appointment letters.
He however said that he would be releasing an advertisement for BEd teachers vacancies before Monday. “I will advertise (vacancies for filling up) permanent posts by Monday. Let them apply… we will give them marks based on their present experience,” he said. However, he was critical of their impatience.
“When they don’t understand their own situation (referring to the terms mentioned in the appointment letter), what will they teach the students?” he questioned as he also read out the terms of contract for appointment, during Zero Hour in the Assembly.
Around 20 of the 200 contract teachers employed by the government last year have been camping outside the Customs office, since the State Legislative Assembly session began on March 18. They are demanding regularization of services.
Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco had raised the issue seeking an assurance from the chief minister to absorb the contract teachers into regular service.
Parrikar, who holds the Education portfolio, explained that as per the Supreme Court guidelines unless full procedures of regular appointment are followed, one cannot be considered for permanent posting.
“I have explained to them (contract teachers) repeatedly… They have not even completed five years. They have worked for only four months…They have no right even for renewal (of contract)…I cannot go against the SC guidelines,” he insisted.
“If I start regularising their services, then there are many more who are working on contract for the last 17 years or so…” he added, slamming the ‘impatient’ teachers for having resorted to strike.
