State asked to absorb CSS Hindi teachers

Kohima, March 10 (PTI): The Union Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) has asked the Nagaland Government to take up step to absorb all the Hindi teachers appointed through Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in the State. Nagaland has a total of 1379 CSS Hindi Teachers. Interacting with a section of reporters here today, Nagaland minister of School Education and SCERT, Yitachu revealed that the Union MHRD has written to the State Government to absorb CSS Hindi teachers as employees of the State government. Stating that the State government is presently not in a position to do so, Yitachu said he would be leaving for Delhi before the ensuing State Budget session to pursue for continuation of the scheme in the State.“The term of CSS Hindi teachers will end on March 31 but we will be seeking for extension of CSS Hindi teachers considering the financial crunch faced by the State,” he said, adding that taking the CSS Hindi teachers as State government employees is not a problem, but payment of salary will be the main problem. Nonetheless, he asserted that subsequent steps will be taken to include CSS Hindi teachers as regular government employees in the State. On the delay in the release of nine-months salary of CSS Hindi teachers in the State, because of which, All Nagaland Hindi Teachers’ Union (ANHTU) has launched phase-wise agitation since March 8 last, the minister said there has been short release of fund and the Union MHRD has been pursuing the matter with the Union Finance Ministry by seeking additional requirement. Acknowledging the hardship faced by the CSS Hindi teachers because of the delay in releasing their nine-months salaries, the minister however said department and government are trying their best for early release of the pending salaries. He, therefore, maintained that even if ANHTU continues with their democratic agitation, they should also try to understand the position of the department. Yitachu further appealed them not to resort to any form of violence but extend cooperation. He said violence can’t bring solution but will only demean their noble profession as teachers. It may be mentioned here that ANHTU had served March 7 last as the deadline for School Education Department to release the pending salaries of CSS Hindi teachers. Presently, ANHTU are on phase-wise agitation and they are staging non-violent agitation wearing black badges outside the office of District Education Officer and Sub-Divisional Education Officer in every district. ANHTU also decided to picket the Directorate of School Education from March 15 till the salaries are paid.