Litem Eshi ORI
Pasighat, Jun 2: The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Educators’ Association (APTEA) has announced the second phase of its pen-down strike on June 4 and 5, demanding timely disbursement of salaries for employees serving in District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) across the state.
The Association alleged that despite repeated appeals and representations to the government, DIET employees have continued to face irregular salary payments since 2019. It maintained that the recurring delays have caused significant financial hardship and mental stress among employees and their families.
According to APTEA, many employees have struggled to meet financial commitments, including repayment of bank loans and EMIs, resulting in adverse effects on their credit records. The Association reiterated that delayed salaries have made it difficult for employees to manage essential expenses such as house rent, children's education and medical costs.
The association said the prolonged uncertainty over salary payments has adversely affected the morale, efficiency and overall well-being of teacher educators, who continue to discharge their responsibilities in the state's teacher education sector.
Reiterating its demand, APTEA urged the government to ensure that salaries of DIET employees are released directly through the State Exchequer to facilitate regular and timely disbursement.
It appealed to the government for an early resolution of the issue, stating that addressing the concerns of employees is essential for their welfare and for the smooth functioning of DIETs across Arunachal Pradesh.
Warning of intensified democratic agitation if the issue remains unresolved, APTEA said it would continue its movement under the principle of "No Pay, No Work."
As part of its agitation programme, the Association members observed a one-day pen-down strike on May 29. The second phase will be held on June 4 and 5, while an indefinite pen-down strike is scheduled to begin from June 15 if the demands are not met.