Survey Work Protest
Belagavi
Teachers, led by the district unit of the State Primary School Teachers’ Association, staged protests on Tuesday against the appointment of disabled, seriously ill, and near-retirement teachers for social and educational survey work. Demonstrations took place at the Tahsildar’s office and in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, highlighting grievances against the government.
Jayakumar Hebali, district association president, said, “We are ready to conduct the survey, but pregnant women, disabled teachers, and those with health issues have been appointed as surveyors. Shockingly, even the name of a deceased teacher appears on the list. Some surveyors have been assigned to nine different locations over 16 days, leaving their schools unattended.” He questioned how teachers handling election duties at booth level can manage both responsibilities.
Teachers urged immediate rectification of surveyor appointments, calling for exemption of disabled, ailing, and elderly staff, warning of a potential boycott otherwise. Basavanni Karadiguddi, posted at Yamanapura, said she struggles with back pain and climbing multi-storey buildings, making survey work difficult. KB Kushte also pleaded exemption due to serious health issues preventing prolonged standing or walking.
The protest was led by Ramesh Goni, KS Rachanavara, Babu Sogalanvara, Chandru Kolakara, Shivanand Rodabasannavara, and Rekha Angadi.