Hamirpur (Kameshwar Sharma): Teacher Organizations Seek Withdrawal of Census Duty Notification as more than 150 representatives from various teacher unions gathered to oppose the recent directive related to census work after school hours and during holidays. The organizations urged the district administration to revoke the notification immediately and ensure a practical work schedule for teachers.
Representatives from nearly eight teacher bodies participated in the meeting. Moreover, they expressed concerns about employee welfare, safety and the feasibility of conducting census-related tasks outside regular working hours.
Teacher Unions Raise Strong Objections
Teacher leaders argued that conducting census fieldwork after school hours is neither practical nor employee-friendly. According to them, the directive places an additional burden on teachers who already manage academic responsibilities during the day.
Furthermore, they stated that such arrangements could negatively impact the efficiency of both educational and census-related activities.
Safety Concerns for Women Teachers
The unions emphasized that nearly half of the education department workforce consists of women employees. Therefore, sending teachers door-to-door for surveys during evening hours could create serious safety concerns.
In addition, many teachers do not have access to private transportation. As a result, travelling long distances after dark may become difficult and unsafe for staff members.
Demand for Convenient Working Hours
Teacher representatives explained that census surveys often require visiting numerous households. Consequently, completing the assigned work after school hours could extend late into the evening.
To address these concerns, all organizations jointly urged the administration to conduct census duties between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Moreover, they stated that this timing would help ensure smooth execution of the work without causing unnecessary hardship.
Administration Assures Positive Action
Deputy Commissioner Gandharva Rathore met with the teacher representatives and listened to their concerns. He assured them that the matter would be discussed with the Deputy Director of Education.
Furthermore, he stated that efforts would be made to identify a practical solution that balances administrative requirements with employee welfare.
Several Teacher Bodies Participate
The meeting witnessed participation from multiple teacher organizations, including the Himachal Pradesh Sarv TGT Mahasangh, Himachal Rajkiya Adhyapak Sangh, Science Teachers Association, School Lecturers Association, TGT Arts Association, C&V Teachers Association, Primary Teacher Federation, Akhil Bharatiya Shaikshanik Mahasangh and Sanskrit Teachers Council.
Ultimately, the Teacher Organizations Seek Withdrawal of Census Duty highlighted the growing concerns of educators regarding census duties outside regular working hours. Consequently, teacher organizations continue to seek the withdrawal of the notification and the introduction of a more practical work schedule.
Key Points of the Teacher Organizations Seek Withdrawal of Census Duty:
- More than 150 representatives from eight teacher organizations attended the meeting.
- Teacher unions opposed census duties after school hours and on holidays.
- Safety concerns for women teachers were highlighted.
- Organizations demanded census work be conducted between 9 AM and 3 PM.
- The Deputy Commissioner assured discussions to find a suitable solution.
