PATNA: The state government is likely to arrive at a negotiated settlement with the striking teachers of universities and colleges soon. It became evident after the third round of talks held between HRD minister Hari Narain Singh and principal secretary Anjani Kumar Singh and the teachers’ representatives here on Tuesday evening.
The talks were held in a very cordial atmosphere and ended on a positive note. Teachers’ representatives raised all the issues under dispute before the minister and demanded that the recent controversial decisions of HRD regarding pay cut, demotion and recovery of excess payment be kept in abeyance at least for three months. During the period, an amicable solution of all the problems should be found out to the best satisfaction of both the government and teachers, they pleaded.
The principal secretary, HRD, informed the teachers that the government order for having clearance from the vigilance in case of promotion of teachers has been withdrawn. He sought some time for consulting the departments concerned for redressal of other demands and invited the teachers for further talks on Wednesday.
The minister along with the principal secretary, HRD, held separate talks with the leaders of the Bihar State University and College Employees’ Federation here on Tuesday. The Federation leaders demanded that the cabinet decisions on merger of 50 percent DA with basic pay and provision of ACP be notified first before initiating a dialogue on other demands. The talks remained inconclusive and the same may be resumed on Wednesday.