Ranchi: The Jharkhand Pradesh Sanyukt Shikshak Morcha has urged the state government to grant teachers the benefits of the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme, citing disparities compared to their counterparts in Bihar. The call comes before the election code of conduct is enforced.
State convenor Amin Ahmed, along with Vijay Bahadur Singh, spokesperson Arun Kumar Das, and Ashutosh Kumar from the Rashtriya Shikshak Mahasangh Jharkhand Pradesh, have voiced concerns over what they describe as economic injustices faced by teachers in Jharkhand.
They argue that while all other state employees receive regular promotions and MACP benefits, teachers are left without such advancements, retiring on their basic pay scale and facing financial difficulties throughout their careers.
The Morcha has called for immediate implementation of MACP benefits before the election code comes into effect. They highlighted that Bihar’s government had already extended MACP benefits to its teachers in 2021, whereas Jharkhand teachers appointed before 2006 remain without an upgraded pay scale despite recommendations from the Sixth Pay Commission. This discrepancy has led to feelings of betrayal among Jharkhand’s educators, who are struggling to maintain quality education in the face of economic hardships.
Additionally, the Morcha has requested an increase in the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 62 years, aligning with practices in states like Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. They pointed out that university teachers in Jharkhand already benefit from a retirement age of 65, and they believe extending this to school teachers will support a robust educational system.
The Morcha has been actively campaigning for these changes, engaging with various officials and government bodies, including the Question and Attention Committee of the Legislative Assembly, ministers, and the Chief Minister. Recent discussions were held with Tribal Welfare Minister Deepak Birua, where the delegation, including Amin Ahmed, Vijay Bahadur Singh, Arun Kumar Das, Ashutosh Kumar, and Mohd. Fakhruddin, provided detailed information on their demands.
The Morcha remains committed to securing these benefits for Jharkhand’s educators and improving their working conditions and financial stability.