The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Educators Association (APTEA) has started an indefinite pen-down strike from 9 July after the government failed to provide a written assurance regarding the resolution of irregular salary payments. APTEA teacher educators have faced irregular salary payments since the 2019-20 financial year and want an end to this uncertainty by seeking the fixation of monthly salaries to ensure regular and timely payment.

The APTEA had served an ultimatum to the government in May, seeking a written assurance after the government had assured them that it would look into their demands following the start of the educators’ protest.

The educators had called off their protest following the government’s assurance, but nothing seemed to materialise, leading to the current strike.

APTEA had earlier rejected temporary measures and insisted on a written assurance with a clear implementation timeline, stating that monthly salary fixation is the only permanent solution. The government needs to establish a mechanism to find a long-term solution. These makeshift solutions will only lead to more uncertainty in the future.