Protest by PT Teachers Turns Chaotic Before Reaching Assembly: Police Detain Demonstrators

Gandhinagar, Gujarat – A long-standing demand for permanent recruitment of Physical Education (PT) teachers led to intense protests in Gandhinagar. The agitation, which had been ongoing for the past several days, escalated when demonstrators attempted to march towards the state assembly. However, police intervened, leading to heated clashes and mass detentions.

15 Years Without Permanent Recruitment

PT teachers in Gujarat have been demanding permanent appointments for the past 15 years. Despite repeated appeals to the government, no resolution has been reached. Frustrated with the inaction, hundreds of PT teachers gathered at the Ramkatha Maidan in Gandhinagar to stage a protest. As they attempted to march towards the assembly, police forces swiftly intervened and detained many demonstrators.

Clashes with Police

The protesting teachers chanted anti-government slogans and remained steadfast in their demand. The situation turned tense when police blocked their path, leading to physical altercations. Several demonstrators were forcibly removed and taken into custody.

Opposition to ‘Khel Sahayak’ Scheme

The protesting teachers strongly opposed the government’s ‘Khel Sahayak’ scheme, arguing that it does not benefit either students or educators. They believe that the scheme fails to ensure long-term employment for PT teachers, ultimately compromising the holistic development of students in sports and physical fitness.

Allegations of Exploitation and Unfair Dismissals

The teachers highlighted the flaws in the 11-month contract-based Khel Sahayak scheme. They claimed:

• There are no uniform leave policies for contract-based PT teachers.
• Many teachers do not receive salaries on time, with disparities between districts.
• Teachers are often dismissed without any formal notice or official documentation.
• The renewal process for contracts is unnecessarily complicated, causing financial and job insecurity.
  

Repeated Appeals to the Government

PT teachers have submitted multiple petitions to the government, urging permanent recruitment. Despite these efforts, no concrete action has been taken. Many teachers reported facing mental, financial, and social hardships due to job instability.

Demand for Permanent Recruitment

The protesting educators have made it clear that their primary demand is permanent employment. They urged the government to recognize the Sports Aptitude Test (SAT) conducted by the State Examination Board (SEB) as a valid qualification for permanent appointments.

As the agitation continues, PT teachers have vowed to keep fighting for their rights until their demands are met. The government, however, has yet to respond with a concrete solution.