Maha govt appeals to teachers to call off stir

With the state government agreeing to disburse Sixth Pay Commission arrears in three instalments, Maharashtra government today asked college and university teachers to call off their agitation.
"I appeal to the teachers to call off their agitation, which is adversely affecting the students," Higher and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Tope said.
Meanwhile, on reports that the government is considering invoking of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on teachers in the wake of their boycotting the ongoing examinations, Yuva Sena leader Aditya Thackeray said "all sides should look for a compromise".
"To enforce ESMA (or not) is the government's decision. I believe both sides should look at a compromise now and negotiate," Aditya told PTI.

"The strike should end as it is affecting the students," he said.
The government's negotiations with teachers have so far failed to bring an end to end the strike.
The Maharashtra Federation of University and College Teachers' Organisation said the state government was trying to buy time with this proposal on arrears.