Kolkata: Five women primary school teachers allegedly attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison like substance on Tuesday during their demonstration before Bikash Bhavan in Salt Lake, West Bengal education department office. They were protesting against their 'illegal transfer' to places like Cooch Behar and Dinhata in north Bengal. As the five teachers' health condition deteriorated after consuming 'poison,' they were shifted to Bidhnagar sub-divisional hospital. They are undergoing treatment.
Police sources said the five teachers were residents of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. The teachers on contract alleged that due to the transfer it is increasingly becoming difficult for them to go to schools that are far away from their residences. They also alleged that their pay scales are so meagre that it is almost impossible for them to make both ends meet.
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Sources said the teachers were members of Shikshak Oikya Muktamanch (Teachers' Unity Open Forum), an association of contractual teachers in the state. Eyewitnesses said they were protesting in front of Bikash Bhavan. As the protest began, police reached the spot immediately from Bidhannagar (North) Police Station. While police tried to shift them from the spot, scuffle broke out between the police and teachers. As tension escalated, the teachers allegedly consumed 'poison.'
Reports said, teachers had earlier in August held a protest before Education Minister's residence asking why their demands were not agreed upon. Two teachers were later arrested under the Disaster Management Act.
