Raiganj: For some, teaching is a profession; for others, it is the means through which they support their families. Among those teaching in unaided madrasas in West Bengal are women educators and teachers with physical disabilities, who continue in the profession while managing the challenges of everyday life.
These concerns came to the fore at an organisational discussion meeting organised by the Madrasah Teachers’ Association at Rahatpur High Madrasa in Domohana, under Karandighi block of Uttar Dinajpur district.
The meeting was attended by the organisation’s state vice-president Ijabul Anwar, Raiganj-based teacher Liva Parvin, Kaliaganj’s Rashid Alam, teacher Hasim Uddin, Azad Ali and others.
Speaking at the meeting, Ijabul Anwar said that, according to information provided by the organisation, there are 235 unaided madrasas across West Bengal. He said Uttar Dinajpur has 44 such institutions—16 Senior, one High and 27 Junior High madrasas.
When Teaching Barely Pays the Bills
The discussion also focused on the financial difficulties faced by teachers and other staff members associated with these institutions.
Anwar referred to previous government records concerning honorariums for teachers and staff of unaided madrasas. According to the figures discussed at the meeting, teachers were listed as receiving monthly honorariums of Rs 4,000, Rs 6,000 and Rs 12,000, depending on the category, while clerical staff were listed as receiving Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,000.
The association said it now wants to place the issues and demands of unaided madrasa teachers before the present state government. Members expressed hope that the government would consider their concerns positively and extend support to teachers working in these institutions.
Ijabul Anwar said they were hopeful that the present state government would stand by the teachers and take their concerns into consideration. The organisation, he said, wants the issues facing unaided madrasa teachers to be brought before the government constructively.
Hasim Uddin said teachers in the madrasas continued to discharge their responsibilities despite various difficulties. He stressed the need to raise their concerns in an organised manner and expressed hope for positive action from the government.
Rashid Alam also spoke about strengthening the organisation and taking up teachers’ concerns with the appropriate authorities. He said they were hopeful that the present government would look into the matter and support the teachers.
The meeting also drew attention to the personal struggles of teachers—including women educators and a teacher with a physical disability—who continue to teach while managing their family responsibilities.
For the teachers present at the meeting, the issue is therefore not limited to figures or honorariums. It is also about their livelihoods, their families and the future of the institutions where they teach.
The association has expressed hope that the present West Bengal government will consider their demands sympathetically and take steps to address the concerns raised by the teachers and staff.
