Police Disperse Protesting Teachers Seeking Pay Equity in Jharkhand

Police used tear gas and mild lathi-charge on protesting assistant teachers in Ranchi. The teachers demanded 'equal pay for equal work' and recognition as government employees. Despite the confrontation, discussions with the state education minister continued, while the BJP criticized the government's response.

On Saturday, police deployed tear gas and conducted a mild lathi-charge to disperse hundreds of assistant teachers in Jharkhand's capital, Ranchi. The teachers had gathered at Morabadi ground with plans to lay siege to Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence, advocating for 'equal pay for equal work' and government employee status.

Vikrant Jyoty, an assistant teacher, explained that their current salaries range from Rs 17,000 to Rs 23,000, whereas under the new pay scale, they should earn around Rs 45,000. "We are demanding the implementation of the new pay scale," he stated. According to Jyoty, police actions included tear gas and lathi-charge to thwart their approach to the CM's house.

Ranchi DC Rahul Kumar Sinha and SSP Chandan Kumar Sinha urged the protesters to follow law and order instructions. A delegation of assistant teachers later met with state education minister Baidyanath Ram, who promised to address their concerns with the chief minister. Meanwhile, Jharkhand BJP president Babulal Marandi condemned the government's actions, accusing them on social media of using police force to silence unarmed protesters.

(With inputs from agencies.)