Port Blair, June 18: The Non-Gazetted Government Officers’ Association, A&N Islands demanded special arrangements for the teachers, working at various outstations, to join their duty at the time of reopening of the Schools on 30th June 2021 after summer vacation.

The authorities of all the 3 districts have extended lockdown up to 21st June and chances of its extension cannot be ruled out. Stringent restrictions are in place for bus service and boat service from Port Blair to Outstations and back.

In the prevailing pandemic situation, a large number of teachers of the Department of Education who are working at far flung areas, away from their home place, are facing serious difficulties to report at their duty place on time.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary and the Secretary of Education dated 16th June, 2021, the General Secretary of the Association Shri Sreekumar invited their attention to various hardships faced by the members of teaching community and other vacation staff for their return journey to their duty place at Southern Group of Islands, Little Andaman and N&M Andaman.

He also pointed out the grave situation prevailing in Little Andaman after the recent surge in Covid cases there and special restrictions in tribal areas of Southern Group, which may delay schedule of boat services to these areas further.

Considering the difficulties faced by these teachers, who are in their home place now, for the return journey, the Association requested the Chief Secretary to allow these teachers to work from home after reporting at the Directorate of Education or nearest Zonal Office. Such an arrangement will enable these teachers to continue the online classes smoothly which will protect the interest of children.

The Association also demanded clear-cut instructions from the Directorate of Education in this matter and also on the issue of treatment of Quarantine period as duty.