In a shocking incident in Telangana, police in Narayankhed's polling division resorted to lathi-charge against teachers demanding fair remuneration for their election duties. The confrontation occurred on May 14, as teachers protested against the disparity in pay compared to their counterparts in other regions.
According to The New Indian Express, teachers on election duty were paid significantly less than what was promised by the government. The Telangana State United Teachers Federation (TSUTF) President K Jangaiah and General Secretary Chava Ravi highlighted the teachers' demand for uniform compensation as per Government Order (GO) No 61, issued on May 11. This order stipulated a daily pay of Rs 600 for Polling Officers (POs) and Rs 400 for Assistant Polling Officers (APOs).
Despite this directive, there was a stark difference in the actual payments. In Medak, Narsapur, Siddipet, and Gajwel Assembly constituencies within the Medak Lok Sabha segment, POs and APOs received Rs 3,150. However, in Narayankhed, the amount paid was only Rs 2,400, prompting the teachers to demand equal treatment.
The situation escalated when the teachers' peaceful demand for fair pay met with police violence. Under orders from the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), police allegedly used canes against the protesting teachers. This brutal crackdown resulted in injuries to several educators, including TSUTF State Treasurer T Lakshmareddy. Chava Ravi condemned the police action, describing it as unnecessary and excessive.
The TSUTF leaders have called for immediate action against the responsible officials, including the RDO and the police involved in the incident. They argue that the teachers were merely seeking the rightful compensation as prescribed by the government and should not have been subjected to such harsh treatment.
This incident has sparked outrage among the teaching community and raised questions about the enforcement of government orders and the treatment of public servants. The disparity in pay and the subsequent violence against teachers has highlighted deeper issues within the administration of election duties and the handling of grievances by authorities.
As the teachers and their supporters demand justice, the incident underscores the need for consistent and fair treatment of all polling staff across different regions. The call for accountability and adherence to government directives is now louder than ever, with the hope that such incidents will not recur in the future.