Over 500 students of government schools and activists of the Students Federation of India (SFI) on Thursday picketed the Directorate of School Education demanding the administration to strengthen basic infrastructural facilities in government schools and filling up of vacant posts of teachers.
Earlier, the students and activists of SFI took out a rally and raised slogans against the government for totally neglecting the education sector in the Union Territory.
A. Anand, SFI Puducherry secretary, said the condition of government schools particularly those located in the rural areas was pathetic. The government’s indifferent attitude only affected the student community.
The vacant posts of teachers in schools were not filled, he said.
SFI also demanded immediate implementation of the Right to Education Act and distribution of free books and uniforms to students in government schools.
They also demanded enhancement of the allowance for uniforms from Rs. 250 to Rs. 450, filling up of vacant posts of teachers and supply of eggs twice a week under the noon meal programme and recommencement of the bread and milk scheme for students of government schools.
Senior officials from the Education department pacified the students and assured to look into their demands following which they withdrew their protest.
