Thoothukudi: Days after Tamil Nadu government schools reopened after Pongal holidays, the Joint Action Committee of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisation- Government Employees Organisation (JACTO-GEO) members began an indefinite strike on Tuesday. This agitation has left several school students, and their parents in a spot of bother with final exams that are fast nearing.

According to reports, JACTO-GEO members have decided to sit out of their work to fulfil their demands, which includes the reversal of contributory pension scheme and payment of arrears. According to the Pay Commission’s recommendations, they demand the salaries of secondary school teachers to be at par with the pay of their Central government counterparts.

Tamil Nadu's chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan warned the district government officials participating in the strike stating that it would tantamount to a violation of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules. The chief secretary also said that their absence would be considered as unapproved leaves, which would result in loss of pay. She further stated that those who work on daily wages could be fired for participating in the protest.

Nonetheless, a government school student from Tamil Nadu's Ottapidaram in Thoothukudi district has launched a hunger strike urging the state government to take the required action immediately as the teachers' protest is affecting the student's education. The boy further said that the final exams are nearing, and if they score low marks in the examination, the same teachers who are protesting now would punish them.

"

Tamil Nadu Government Officials Association, Tamil Nadu Government Officials Union (TNGOU) and Tamil Nadu Secretariat Association (TANSA) will not be taking part in the protest as they met the chief secretary on Tuesday and presented their demands. Girija Vaidyanathan assured them that she wouldo look into the matter and take the necessary steps.