Shinde pledges to resolve teachers' issues, backs Kiran Sarnaik in Amravati graduates-teachers poll

Kiran Sarnaik, the Mahayuti candidate from the Amravati division teachers' constituency, released a work-completion report on what he has done for schools and teachers. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on the occasion that one has the courage to publish a work-completion report only when work has been done. He assured the gathering that the responsibility for fulfilling the promises Sarnaik has made in his manifesto is his, and that the government will give priority to teachers' concerns.

Shinde was speaking at a public meeting held in Amravati to campaign for Sarnaik. He said he had come to Amravati after offering prayers to Amba Mata. He welcomed the ministers, MPs, MLAs, former MLAs, Mahayuti office-bearers and teachers present.

According to Shinde, Sarnaik visited every school in the constituency and made funds available for development. His manifesto is therefore not merely a document of promises, Shinde said; it is both a report on work done and a pledge for work ahead.

On teachers' issues, Shinde said the government would resolve the pending old pension question, as well as matters concerning examinations and service conditions of long-serving teachers, in a positive manner. He said teachers should not be burdened with additional non-academic duties so that they can focus on teaching and shaping children. He added that the government would also work on issues concerning minority schools, ashram schools, schools for the differently abled and the social justice department.

Referring to help for farmers in the context of drought, Shinde said drought would be declared and government concessions extended to farmers. In his words, "This is not the time for felicitations, it is the time to stand behind the farmer."

Criticising opponents, Shinde said the Mahayuti government is working for common people, farmers, labourers, Warkaris, women and teachers. He said a teacher MLA of their own is essential to put teachers' voice effectively in the House. He therefore appealed to voters to vote for Kiran Sarnaik and make him win on October 23.

Shinde said, "Even before crossing the border on Dussehra, you have today crossed a political border. Before Diwali, we have to burst firecrackers for Sarnaik's victory." He assured the gathering that he would himself be present in Amravati on the day of the result to throw the gulal of victory.

MLA Ravi Rana, former MP Navneet Rana, MLA Sanjay Kute, MLA Kishoreappa Patil, Yuva Swabhiman Party candidate Adv. Preeti Revane and Shiv Sena district chief Ashish Dharmale were present. Shiv Sena Amravati district chief Sunil DK, Amravati city chief Santosh Bhade, co-contact chief Shyam Deshmukh and other senior Shiv Sena office-bearers and workers also attended in large numbers.