Protesting Teacher Ends Life Over Wage Regularisation Opposition Blames DMK
Tragic suicide of Kannan sparks condemnation from AIADMK and BJP, who hold DMK accountable; government agrees to raise part-time teachers’ pay.
Chennai, Jan 15: In a shocking incident, Kannan, a part-time teacher protesting for wage regularisation, died after consuming poison at the protest site on Tuesday evening. He was rushed to a government hospital but succumbed to his injuries, officials said.
Part-time teachers in Tamil Nadu have been protesting for fair wages for several days, often facing detention during demonstrations. The protests led to talks with Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, following which the DMK-led government agreed to increase monthly wages from Rs 12,500 to Rs 15,000. An additional payment of Rs 10,000 will be provided for May, addressing a long-standing grievance regarding unpaid bonuses over the past 12 years.
The minister stated that while the state government is committed to supporting part-time teachers, delays in central funding under the SSA scheme have hampered timely resolution of their demands. Teacher associations welcomed the announcement, calling it a step toward better job security and dignity for educators.
The tragic death of Kannan, however, drew sharp criticism from opposition parties. AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the DMK government, stating that false promises and administrative apathy led to the teacher’s death. He demanded Rs 50 lakh compensation for the bereaved family and held the state fully accountable.
The BJP, led in Tamil Nadu by former President Annamalai, also condemned the incident and called for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the deceased teacher.
The incident has intensified the debate over teacher welfare in Tamil Nadu, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions for part-time educators.
