West Bengal Para-teachers Salary Hike: A new ray of hope is emerging for thousands of para-teachers in West Bengal. According to sources, the state government may soon announce a package of new benefits for para-teachers. The most significant of these are a major change in the salary structure and a new designation for the post. Although a final announcement has not yet been made, this possibility has created great excitement among the teaching community. Let’s explore the details of these potential changes.
New Designation Might Be on the Cards
The biggest potential change is the renaming of the “Para-teacher” post. The proposed new name is “Additional Assistant Teacher.” It is believed that there might be a strategic reason behind this name change. According to the Right to Education Act, there are restrictions on new appointments to the “para-teacher” post. Therefore, there is speculation that the state government wants to keep an alternative path open for the reappointment of the 26,000 teachers and staff who recently lost their jobs.
Possibility of a Major Change in Salary Structure
The most attractive proposal is a radical change in the salary structure for para-teachers. It is rumored that salaries could increase by up to three times, which, if implemented, would be a landmark step.
- Primary Para-teachers: Their potential salary could increase to ₹35,000.
- Upper Primary Para-teachers: Their salary could rise to ₹40,000.
This proposed salary structure is nearly equivalent to the starting salary of regular assistant teachers, which would be a significant step towards fulfilling the long-standing demands of para-teachers.
What Other Benefits Might Be Coming?
Besides the salary hike and new designation, it is reported that several other benefits are also being considered.
- Child Care Leave (CCL): A provision for 730 days of Child Care Leave for female para-teachers may be introduced.
- School Staff Council: There is a proposal to include at least one para-teacher as a member in every school’s staff council.
- Examination Invigilator Duty: The idea of assigning invigilator duties to para-teachers during secondary and higher secondary exams is being considered.
- Transfer System: The long-awaited demand for general and mutual transfers may also be fulfilled.
- Service Rule and Service Book: The possibility of creating a separate service rule and service book for para-teachers is also high, which would bring stability to their careers.
What’s the Future?
The implementation of all these proposals ultimately depends on the government’s final decision. The situation is further complicated by the pending Supreme Court case regarding the 26,000 cancelled jobs. However, if these proposals materialize, they will elevate the social and economic status of the state’s para-teachers to a new level and open up new horizons in their careers. Now, it is just a matter of waiting for the final announcement.
