Assam Govt to Slash Salaries of Teachers who Participate in CAA Andolans 

Guwahati, January 22, 2020:

Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that a day's salary will be deducted if the teachers take part in the protests on working days.

The Minister who has been recently assigned with the Education department, said, "The salaries will not be deducted if the teachers join the Andolan (protest) after classes, on weekends or on holidays. But, if they come out to protest during weekdays, even to meet a Minister, then their one-day salary will be deducted."

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He informed that the decision applies to all service holders in the department of Education. "This applies to all...from clerks to doctors. If they join the Andolans, or they come to attend my meeting during their working days, their salary of one day will be deducted," he added.

Announcing a new scheme of benefitting students pursuing higher studies away from their hometowns, Sarma said that the department has decided to provide Rs 7000 on a yearly basis to around 20,000 students. "I have sent a proposal for a designated scheme of providing Rs 7000 in the Budget. The scheme should come into formulation from February. Around 20,000 students will be the beneficiaries of the amount. We have discussed the matter and we decided that students staying in hostels will be provided with Rs. 7000 on a yearly basis," he informed.

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Assam Minister also dwelt on the need to revive the culture of healthy debate among the students. He said, "Emotions are fine but there has to be debate on the CAB (Citizenship Amendment Bill). We should listen to both the parties. Speech, seminars and all these should be back," adding that, "The intellectual prowess seems to be dwindling. The exercise should be brought back."

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