CPM led body to train teachers for panchayat polls

MALDA, April 25: Leaving nothing to chance, the CPI-M backed primary teachers’ association is organising meetings of its members to train them on the “role of primary teachers in panchayat polls”. Hundreds of primary school teachers attended the meeting at the Malda college auditorium today. Similar meetings have been called across the district before the panchayat polls. The teachers’ association of the anti-Left parties said teachers to be engaged in the panchayat poll duty are being trained by the CPI-M leadership for election campaigning. The Opposition is doubtful if the CPI-M backed teachers would be able to discharge their responsibility impartially and in keeping with the guidelines of the election commission. The chairman of the district primary school Mr Uttam Sarkar said: “If the primary teachers’ organisation holds the meeting seeking permission from the concerned sub-inspector of school then the meeting is valid. But the same is not valid if held without permission.” The teachers in the English Bazaar circle were asked to attend such meetings at 8 a.m. today after attending school at 6.30 a.m. “Everybody has the right to join any political party but the question is how they will play their role during poll duty on behalf of the government after attending such meetings?” questioned the chairman. n sns