Resource teachers under the inclusive education for the disabled (IED) of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) are waiting for their salaries for the past three months.
A resource teacher, who wished not to be named, said, "Everyday I travel about 50 km and I have not received the salary for the past three months. Every month, I spend around Rs 3,500 on travelling, and being the only bread earner in my family, it is becoming difficult to pay the school fee of my children and daily household needs."
One more problem, which the teachers are facing, is in running the home-based education project. In this project, resource teachers have to visit homes of the disabled children to counsel and teach them.
Resource teacher said, "Recently, during a visit to the home of a disabled child, I was harassed by the neighbours. They asked me the reason for coming there daily. It is disappointing that we visit these children to educate them, but the purpose gets defeated when people pass such comments."
Another resource teacher, requesting anonymity, said, "Under home-based education project, we have been facing a lot of problem. The neighbours object if a male resource teacher visits disabled children to counsel them. So, this project should be shut down."
"Moreover, we have been working as resource teachers, but we don't get the salary according to the regular teachers. We get Rs 15,590, however the regular teachers get Rs 28,500 per month. So, when qualification is same, work is same, why is there a difference in the salary."
{{/usCountry}}"Moreover, we have been working as resource teachers, but we don't get the salary according to the regular teachers. We get Rs 15,590, however the regular teachers get Rs 28,500 per month. So, when qualification is same, work is same, why is there a difference in the salary."
{{/usCountry}}When contacted, district education officer (elementary) Ranjit Singh Malhi said, "The resource teachers have never approached me regarding this problem. But I think if the teachers are dedicated and have potential, they can handle any situation. Moreover, we are releasing the salaries of all teachers and by Monday all teachers will get their salaries. The decision regarding the hike in salary is up to the higher authorities."
Await salaries from last three months
Find it difficult to run home-based education project
Salary not on a par with regular teachers