Computer teachers in Punjab have been serving government schools for over two decades, yet many of their long-standing promises remain unfulfilled. Approximately 6,640 of them continue to work under the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Education Society rather than as fully regularised employees of the Education Department, despite a government notification issued on 2 December 2010 and subsequent appointment letters in 2011.
Successive administrations, including commitments in election manifestos and a specific announcement by the Education Minister on 15 September 2022, had raised hopes of equal service conditions, pay benefits, and social security. These assurances have yet to translate into complete action on the ground.The human cost of the delay is particularly stark for the families of those who have passed away. Union representatives report that 114 computer teachers have died during their years of service, while five others have retired, without the full benefits that regular government employees routinely receive. Their dependents continue to await social security measures, death compensation policies, and employment opportunities on compassionate grounds—provisions commonly extended to the kin of other state employees.
This disparity has left many households in prolonged financial and emotional hardship.Recent protests organised by the Computer Teachers Union Punjab underscore the growing frustration. Teachers have staged demonstrations, including planned statewide actions around Independence Day, calling for implementation of the 2010 regularisation order, release of pending dearness allowance under earlier pay commission terms, and a clear death-benefit policy. They also point to a favourable High Court ruling that the government chose to challenge rather than implement. The collective appeal remains straightforward: fulfil the promises made to serving computer teachers and extend the same employment and support measures to the 114 aggrieved families of deceas
North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has strongly condemned the continued neglect and insensitivity of the Punjab Government toward the long-pending demands of the state’s computer teachers.
Chahal said it is extremely unfortunate that teachers who form the backbone of Punjab’s digital education initiative are being forced to take to the streets and burn effigies of the government to make their voices heard. “This reflects the deep frustration and betrayal felt by thousands of qualified educators who were promised justice and fair treatment but continue to face official apathy,” he stated.
He recalled that despite repeated assurances by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains in 2022 that all justified demands would be fulfilled, nothing concrete has been done on the ground. “Three years have passed since the government’s promise of a ‘Diwali gift,’ yet the teachers’ issues remain unresolved. Such disregard for educators is unacceptable in a state that claims to prioritize education and employment,” Chahal added.
Chahal further said that cancelling scheduled meetings six times shows the government’s lack of seriousness and commitment toward resolving the issue. “This attitude is demoralizing for the teaching community and exposes the widening gap between the government’s promises and performance,” he remarked.
NAPA demanded that the Punjab Government immediately hold talks with representatives of the Computer Teachers’ Struggle Committee, implement all agreed points from previous meetings, and ensure that no educator is forced to protest for their legitimate rights.
“Teachers are nation-builders. Ignoring their plight is not only unjust but also a betrayal of Punjab’s youth and education system. The government must act now before the situation escalates further,” Chahal concluded.
@sherryontopp "@navjot Singh sidhu Ji, we urge you to raise your voice for the 125-day hunger strike by computer teachers in Sangrur. Despite serving for 20 years & being regularized in 2011 with the Governor's approval, our rights are still denied. Please intervene for justice.