File photo.
There has been a controversy in Punjab regarding the government imposing a duty on teachers to stop stubble burning. Preparations are being made to take action against teachers who have failed to stop stubble burning cases in their areas and those who have failed to prepare and submit reports on stubble burning cases. They have been issued notices. The Punjab Teachers’ Democratic Front has opposed this.
For the first time, 9,492 employees from different departments were sent on the ground to monitor incidents of stubble burning in Punjab. Those in service include 80 SDMs, 102 Tehsildars, 2,796 Patwaris, 122 DSPs, 1,389 Group Officers, 4,965 Nodal Officers and 38 Assistant Executive Engineers. Government teachers have also been given assignments in many districts.
Notice to 3 teachers for not submitting a report
A total of 90 teachers have been deployed for this task. At the same time, notices have been sent to 3 teachers for not submitting the report. The Punjab government has advised these teachers that they have justified reasons. Teachers have been asked to explain the reasons why they could not stop farmers from burning stubble. The Punjab Democratic Teachers’ Front alleges that around 90 teachers have been given the task of controlling incidents of stubble burning in villages, which is jeopardizing the future of students.
The job of teachers is to educate children.
Teachers should be removed from such duty and notifications should be withdrawn. Politics has also started in Punjab regarding this matter. Opposition parties in Punjab say the job of teachers is to educate children and not stop farmers from burning stubble.
Shiromani Akali Dal spokesperson and former Punjab Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema and Congress MLA and former Education Minister Pargat Singh say the Punjab Aam Aadmi Party government has completely failed in the stubble management. Orders are being given to teachers, which is completely wrong. So far there has been no reaction from the Punjab government in this regard.
