Srinagar: Hundreds of male and female teachers appointed under Saakshar Bharat Mission were charged by police with canes on Monday after they tried to take a protesting march in favour of their demands. The protestors alleged that from past two years despite the available funds they were not given salaries.
Saakshar Bharat is a government of India initiative launched by Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh to create a literate society through a variety of teaching learning programmes for non-literate and neo-literate of 15 years and above. It was launched in 2009 but in Jammu and Kashmir the scheme was introduced in 2011.
According to CNS, hundreds of male and female teachers appointed on contractual basis under this scheme assembled at Pratap Park Srinagar. The protestors carrying placards and banners were cane charged by police after they tried to enter into Press Enclave Srinagar. Several teachers including female protestors were injured in police action. Police bundled scores of protestors into the vehicles and detained them in police station Khoti Bagh.
The protestors alleged the State Project Director (SPD) is hell-bent to wind up this scheme for his personal interests. Government of India has made Rs 30 Crore available to the SPD under this scheme. Despite the funds being available with the SPD, no salaries are being paid to them from past two years, one of the protestor told CNS adding that at least 7,000 teachers appointed under this scheme were exploited by the SPD.
Despite repeated attempts, SPD, Saakshar Bharat Mission could not be contacted.
A police official said that all the detained protestors were released soon after their arrest.
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