[ Litem Eshi Ori ]

PASIGHAT, 28 May: The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Educators’ Association (APTEA) has announced a democratic movement themed ‘No Pay, No Work’, demanding timely release of the salaries of DIET staff through the state head.

Since 2019, numerous teaching and non-teaching staff members have faced severe financial hardship due to irregular and delayed salary payments. Families are struggling to pay house rent, clear bank EMIs, support their children’s education, and meet urgent medical expenses.

Many employees continue to live under constant stress, humiliation, and uncertainty despite serving the education system with sincerity and dedication.

 Teachers who shape the future of society are now struggling to support their own families.

The APTEA stated that repeated appeals and requests to the authorities concerned have failed to bring any permanent solution. Left with no other option, the association has declared a phased agitation demanding timely release of salaries, and salary payment through the state exchequer system.

The association strongly emphasised that DIET staffers are regular government employees and therefore deserve regular monthly salaries directly from the state head, rather than through irregular centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) funding mechanisms.

“We are regular government employees, so we demand our salaries from the state head and not through centrally sponsored schemes. We need regular monthly salaries to survive with dignity,” said APTEA convener Marpak Doke.

The association will observe a pen-down strike on Friday. This will be followed by a two-day pen-down strike on 4 and 5 June, and an indefinite pen-down strike from 15 June onwards if the demand is not met.

The association clarified that the protest is not against students or education, but against years of neglect, uncertainty, and injustice faced by DIET staff members.

Earlier, the APTEA had held a press conference at the APC on 12 May, highlighting the issue.

The APTEA appealed to the government and the authorities concerned to act immediately and compassionately before the situation worsens.

“Timely salary is not a privilege – it is our right,” an APTEA member said.

The association also called upon the public, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to stand in solidarity with the DIET staff in their fight for dignity, financial security, and justice.

There are a total of 11 DIETs in Arunachal Pradesh. The lecturers of these DIETs are recruited through the APPSC. The DIETs impart training to in-service teachers and run two years’ course in diploma in elementary education for pre-service teachers.