Nov 5 last date for para-teachers to report back to schools

"We have sent advisories to all district administrations to extend the date till November 5. We will see what decision has to be taken if any para-teacher fails to report back for duty," Ram told reporters here.

His statement assumed significance in the wake of a section of para-teachers reportedly insisting on their original demands of getting their jobs regularised and salary on par with permanent teachers.

"We can't regularise para teachers who have been appointed on the basis of a different criteria and it does not fulfill the rules set up for appointment of permanent teachers," the state HRD minister said.

Altogether 84,000 para-teachers, employed at different levels in schools across the state a few years ago, had been on strike in support of their demands and their delegation had on October 31 met Ram before calling off the stir in his presence.

The minimum monthly salary of a para-teacher is set at Rs 5,200, while the maximum is Rs 6,700.

The minister said a committee would be formed to look into their demands and three-para teachers would represent it, besides other government officials.

The para-teachers have to make up for lost days by teaching students on holidays, the minister said, adding, they have five months to complete the syllabus.