| Mingkeng OSIK |
PASIGHAT, Sep 28: A joint front of student, youth and community organisations has called a 12-hour district-wide bandh in East Siang on September 30 in protest against the ongoing transfer and rationalisation of teachers in the district.
The bandh has been called by the Bogong Banggo Yameng Kebang (BBYK) in collaboration with the ABKYW East Siang Unit, AdiSU East Siang Unit, Mebo Area Yameng Kebang, All Bosing Banggo Student Union, Legong Banggo Student Union, All Bogong Student Union and All Mebo Constituency Student Union.
The organisations said the decision followed repeated appeals and representations seeking intervention in the teacher transfer exercise. They have raised concerns over the availability of teachers and subject-wise manpower in schools across the district.
Referring to representations submitted on September 21 and 23, the organisations have sought immediate government intervention and maintenance of the status quo on the release of transferred teachers pending reconsideration of the orders.
A major demand is protection of teachers who have not completed the prescribed three-year minimum tenure. The organisations referred to Clause 4 of the Education Department's notice dated May 21, 2026, which they said provides for exemption from rationalisation for teachers who have not completed the minimum tenure.
The groups have also sought consideration of genuine medical, pregnancy-related and other compelling circumstances while reviewing the transfer orders.
They said the transfer exercise should be based on actual school-wise and subject-wise requirements rather than numerical rationalisation alone. Particular concern was expressed over the staffing position at IGJ Higher Secondary School and D Ering Higher Secondary School, Pasighat.
The organisations also apprehended that large-scale transfers during the ongoing academic session could disrupt classroom teaching, particularly for students preparing for secondary and higher secondary examinations.
They urged the Education Department to ensure adequate and qualified subject teachers in schools facing vacancies and to ensure that the rationalisation exercise does not result in further shortages.
The joint front has appealed to the government to initiate dialogue and address the grievances before September 30. It stated that the bandh would be observed peacefully and within the framework of law, asserting that its primary concern was safeguarding students' academic interests and ensuring adequate teaching strength across East Siang.