Teachers Protest Over Equal Pay Promise in Tamil Nadu

The DMK government in Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has faced strong criticism after several leaders of the Intermediate Teachers’ Association were placed under house arrest in Chennai. This action was taken during a statewide protest by secondary grade teachers who are demanding that the government fulfil its 2021 election promise of “equal pay for equal work.”

The protest by the teachers entered its 17th day on Monday. Teachers across the State have been staging demonstrations to press the government to implement the assurance made in the DMK election manifesto. The demand relates to manifesto promise number 311, which clearly states that intermediate teachers should receive equal pay for equal work.

Teacher leaders have said that placing protest organisers under house arrest is unfair and goes against democratic values. They have urged the government to hold talks and take steps to resolve the issue at the earliest. The agitation is expected to continue until the government responds positively to their demand.