Protest for Jobs and DA Hike: A Rally in Howrah

Hundreds of jobless teachers and current government employees protested in Howrah, demanding the reinstatement of jobs and a dearness allowance hike. The rally, 'Nabanna Abhijan', organized by the 'Sangrami Joutho Manch', was halted by police, leading to a sit-in and eventual dispersal due to heavy rain.

In a significant display of dissent, hundreds of jobless teachers and serving government employees in West Bengal staged a rally in Howrah, demanding the reinstatement of educator jobs and a hike in dearness allowance (DA) for state employees. The protest, named 'Nabanna Abhijan', organized by 'Sangrami Joutho Manch', was halted by police, prompting a sit-in demonstration.

Ashis Khamrui, leading the protest, stated that despite the disruption caused by rain, they remain committed to their cause. The withdrawal of the sit-in emphasized that further plans would be made to escalate the movement in August. Khamrui highlighted that their demands stemmed from a Supreme Court order affecting 26,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, alongside delayed DA hikes.

However, the protest faced legal hurdles as restrictions were imposed by authorities under a directive from the Calcutta High Court, which insisted protests should not disrupt public zones like Mangala Haat. Despite obstacles, the organizers stressed the march respected court instructions and was conducted without obstructing businesses.

(With inputs from agencies.)