Bengal madrasa teachers' hunger strike enters 30th day

The hunger strike by teachers of unrecognised madrasas from West Bengal, demanding better pay and state aid, entered its 30th day here on Friday.

A group of teachers affiliated to the West Bengal MSK Staff Welfare Association have been on a relay hunger strike near Hazi Mohammad Mohsin Square in central Kolkata demanding the inclusion of 495 madrasas under the state Madrasa Education Board.

The madrasas seeking recognition are Madrasa Shiksha Kendras (MSKs), Shishu Shiksha Kendras (SSKs) and Madhyamik Shiksha Kendras.

According to a representative of the welfare association, the state government has gone back on its promise of giving recognition to the madrasas.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government couldn't offer financial association to the madrasas because of fund crunch, the representative said.

Meanwhile the Opposition - Congress and Left Front- have reached out and expressed solidarity with the agitating teachers.

"Her (Banerjee's) party members have not visited us but the other parties have supported us. We will continue with the protest," the representative said.