Sitamarhi: Madrasa teachers in Bihar have announced a fresh round of protests to press for long-pending demands, including salary hikes and allowances. The Madrasa Development Organization (MDO) declared that teachers and staff will hold a one-day sit-in at all district headquarters on September 12 at 2 p.m.
MDO General Secretary Mehtab Alam, spokesperson Mohammad Manazerul Islam, and parent representative Abdul Quddoos issued a joint statement outlining the plan. They confirmed that after the district-level sit-in, an indefinite protest will begin at Gardanibagh Maidan in Patna on September 14, following a press briefing.
Teachers argue that their issues have been ignored for years. The major demands include salary revision for all categories of teachers and staff, introduction of a medical allowance, and release of pending salaries for 1,637 madrasas whose audit reports have already been submitted to the board. They also seek an increase in pay scales for newly appointed JIT teachers, integration of Hajiz pay with that of recognized Maulvis, and revision of salaries for clerks and peons appointed after 2011. Another demand is the implementation of provident fund benefits for teachers appointed under the old pay scale.
Alam stressed that the protest would continue until the government takes concrete action. He said ignoring the concerns of madrasa staff has created hardship for many families dependent on these institutions. Teachers believe that unless their financial and professional concerns are addressed, the functioning of madrasas will remain affected across the state.
