Para-teachers continue agitation despite 'satisfactory'

The para-teachers, who have launched an indefinite fast demanding hike in salaries, will continue their agitation even after their meeting with West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee on Wednesday was "satisfactory".

Chatterjee said it is up to the para-teachers to call off their stir but he has assured them to consider their demands for pay revision.

"If they don't withdraw the fast even after my promise to consider their demand sympathetically, what can I do. I can only hope good senses will prevail," Chatterjee said.

Over 1000 para-teachers, who work on contract in government-run schools, have been staging a sit-in since November 11 near Bikash Bhavan (higher education department headquarters) in Salt lake, demanding a revision in pay scale.

At least 37 of them are observing an indefinite fast since November 15.

Para-teachers' Oikyo Manch co-convenor Bhagirath Ghosh said, "The discussion with the minister was satisfactory but we want detailed minutes of the meeting for transparency. We will continue our agitation. We are not ready to withdraw the fast with just verbal assurance."