Education Department seeks police assistance on boycott Post Test by teachers under Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab project 

Ferozepur, February 21, 2019: In view of going on protests by the various teacher's unions under the banner of Adhyapak Sangharsh Committee, over major demand of regularization of services, have boycotted the Post Test under Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab project being conducted from February 22 to March 11.  The Education Department has sought police assistance to complete Post Test programme successfully and timely.

In fact, this ‘baseline test’ was designed to test students in ‘minimum and basic’ syllabus in three subjects — English, Punjabi and Maths. The questions were formulated using syllabus for lower classes. While Class I students were tested for basic alphabet recall, number recognition meant for pre-primary students, Class 5 students were tested for Class 3 and 4 syllabus. 

In a letter to the SSP Ferozepur, District Education Officer, Ferozepur Harinder Singh, has requested to direct all the police chiefs of police stations in Ferozepur to provide immediate police assistance to avoid any untoward incident in the event of creating any hindrance in performing the duties for Post Test under Padho Punjab, Padhao Punjab project.

Jaswinder Singh Sidhu, President Teachers Union when contacted said, it is totally wastage of money by deputing 1500 teachers on allowance of Rs.250 per day, as there is no such practice in private primary schools. The tests should be conducted according to the syllabus. 

It is very unfortunate that what we ask is not provided as there is no teachers, no uniform, and no meal for pre-primary classes. The police assistance in schools will create a terror and mentally upset the staff and students as well, he added.

When asked about the poor results of Post Test, he, however, agreed to take action against the official whose result is poor.