23 Years of Service and ₹10,000 Monthly Salary: How Do Shiksha Mitras Survive in UP?

Lucknow- MP from Nagina and Azad Samaj Party Chief , Chandrashekhar Azad, has written a significant letter to the Basic Education Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Sandeep Singh, highlighting the pressing issues faced by Shiksha Mitras (education assistants) teaching in the primary schools in the state.

In his letter, he expressed concern over the severe financial and mental stress the Shiksha Mitras are undergoing, which has forced many of them to contemplate extreme measures like suicide.

Azad pointed out that the Shiksha Mitras, who have been teaching in primary schools for the past 23 years and possess graduate and BTC (Basic Teaching Certificate) qualifications, are currently receiving a meager stipend of ₹10,000 for only 11 months of the year. This amount is insufficient to support their families in today’s high inflation environment. He urged the government to intervene immediately to prevent further distress.

In his letter, Chandrashekhar Azad outlined the following key demands concerning the plight of Shiksha Mitras:

• Permanent Employment and Regular Pay Scale: Under the new education policy, Shiksha Mitras should be made permanent and granted regular pay scales.

• Stipend Increase: Until they are regularized, Shiksha Mitras should be paid according to the standards of other states like Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Bihar.

• Reassignment to Original Schools: Shiksha Mitras who have been displaced from their original schools should be reassigned either to their original schools or to another school within the same village council.

• Relocation for Married Female Shiksha Mitras: Female Shiksha Mitras should be allowed, if they wish, to be relocated to their in-laws' district after marriage.

• Inclusion in EPF and Medical Benefits: Shiksha Mitras should be included in the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme and provided medical benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

• Support for Families of Deceased Shiksha Mitras: The families of Shiksha Mitras who have passed away should receive financial aid, and one family member should be given employment.

Azad also mentioned that a committee was formed under the supervision of the Principal Secretary of Basic Education on November 14, 2023, and the committee, after several meetings, had submitted its report to the government. However, due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct during elections, the implementation of the recommendations was delayed. He urged the Basic Education Minister to expedite the implementation of the committee’s recommendations.

Through this letter, Chandrashekhar Azad emphasized the need for swift government action to resolve the issues faced by Shiksha Mitras, which would not only bring stability to their lives but also strengthen the state's education system, ensuring better quality education for children across the state.