[ Mingkeng Osik ]
PASIGHAT, 28 Sep: A joint front of student, youth and community organisations has announced a 12-hour East Siang district bandh on 30 September to protest the ongoing mass transfer/rationalisation of teachers in the district.
The bandh has been declared by the Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang, in collaboration with the East Siang units of the
ABKYW and AdiSU, Mebo Area Yameng Kebang, All Bosing Banggo Students'Union, Legong Banggo Students' Union, All Bogong Students' Union and All Mebo Constituency Students' Union, demanding reconsideration of the teacher transfer and release orders.
The organisations said they were compelled to announce the bandh as the authorities concerned failed to address their concerns despite repeated appeals and representations. They have particularly raised concerns over the availability of teachers and subject-wise manpower in schools across East Siang.
They referred to representations submitted on 21 and 23 September, seeking immediate intervention by the government, along with maintenance of the existing status quo regarding the release of affected teachers,pending reconsideration of the transfer exercise.
One of their key demands is the protection of teachers who have not completed the prescribed three-year minimum tenure.
The organisations cited Clause 4 of the Department of Education's notice dated 21 May, 2026, which according to the memorandum, provides for exemption for teachers who have not completed the prescribed minimum tenure.
According to the organisations, transferring teachers without adequately assessing the requirements of individual schools could adversely affect students, particularly in schools already facing shortages of subject teachers.
The joint front has demanded that the authorities review the transfer orders and maintain the existing status quo until the grievances raised by stakeholders are properly examined.
It has also sought protection for teachers who have not completed the prescribed minimum tenure, besides consideration of genuine medical, pregnancy-related and other compelling circumstances.
The organisations have also called for posting adequate qualified subject teachers in schools where vacancies are affecting academic activities.
They have also expressed concern over the staffing situation at IGJ Higher Secondary School and D Ering Higher Secondary School.
The groups stated that the transfer exercise should be based on the actual school-wise and subject-wise requirement of teachers, rather than relying solely on numerical rationalisation. They maintained that any administrative exercise concerning teacher deployment must also safeguard the academic interests of students.
The timing of the transfers has also come under criticism, with the organisations pointing out that the academic session is already underway.
They expressed apprehension that large-scale movement of teachers at this stage could disrupt classroom teaching and adversely affect students preparing for examinations.
The organisations also referred to provisions concerning prescribed pupil-teacher ratios, and urged the Education Department to ensure that the rationalisation process does not result in further shortages in schools.
The organisations called upon the government to initiate meaningful dialogue and take concrete steps to address their demands before the proposed agitation.
The organisations stated that the bandh will be observed peacefully and within the framework of law, while reiterating that their primary concern is the protection of students' academic interests and ensuring adequate teaching strength across East Siang.
