Candidates who were selected for the post of teachers but haven't been given postings so far, launched indefinite hunger strike opposite the District Collectorate on Monday seeking jobs before the schools reopen after the summer vacation.
The candidates, under the aegis of Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), sought that all those selected in the 2008 District Selection Committee (DSC) should be given posting at the same time. DYFI district secretary V.V. Srinivasa Rao said that the 347 candidates in the district were given assurance letters seven months ago but have not been given jobs so far on the plea of lack of vacancies.
The DYFI leaders condemned the indifferent attitude of the Government towards the DSC candidates. They sought that the District Collector should intervene in the matter and do justice to the candidates who were given letters of assurance in the past.
There was no word from the Government on appointments though schools are scheduled to reopen in a week. While officials in other districts were taking steps to fill the vacant posts, officials in Visakhapatnam district were not taking any action.
Mr. Srinivasa Rao said that the agitation would be intensified and a fast-unto-death would be launched if the authorities do not initiate proper action for issue of posting to the selected candidates. The issue would also be taken to the notice of Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy during his visit to the city on June 9.
Md. Amjad, G. Ganesh, B. Bhagyavathi, R. Chandrakala, L. Achari and A.V. Lakshmi were among those who participated in the relay hunger strike.