Mumbai:
City teachers who performed duties during first phase of Census earlier this year, are yet to receive their payments even as authorities responsible for the same seem to clueless when the money will be paid.
While some of the teachers had happily complied to perform national duty, many had complained that they were forced into the Census work by concerned authorities then. The ambiguity over when the payments will be made has now led to questions whether the teachers will agree to perform duties during next round of Census to be held in February, 2011.
"Many of us were forced to work. In a circular issued by the authorities then it was mentioned that action will be taken against those who would refuse to perform duties. We were also not informed about what allowances will be given for the work and when," a teacher from a Nerul-based school said, requesting not to be quoted.
Each of the teachers had been entrusted with work like collecting details of around 140-150 households. "The work during the first phase was hectic. With that over, nobody is talking about giving allowances," he added.
The teachers were supposed to receive communication from Census authorities for the work of next phase in October itself, however, their wait continues. "Even that is not happening. At least, we will have somebody to ask when the payments will be made if we are asked to do the work again. Our supervisors for the first phase too are unaware of when the payments will be made and so are the concerned local officials," a teacher from a Vashi school complained on condition of anonymity.
When contacted, an official informed that the money will be distributed by Census Director for Mumbai region through District Collectors. "The Office of the District Collector (Thane) will distribute the funds meant for the national work through respective Municipal Corporations. But we are yet to receive exact details of the timing of payments, which are more likely to be made after completion of the Census work, that is, in March, 2011," the Census official said.
He informed that for the first phase's work, the teachers are likely to be paid Rs 4,500-Rs 5,000. "They are expected to get equal amount for the work of second phase, during which actual head counting will be done as well," he concluded.
On duty
* Each of the teachers had been entrusted with work like collecting details of around 140-150 households
* The teachers were supposed to receive communication from Census authorities for the work of next phase in October itself, however, their wait continues
* The teachers are likely to be paid Rs 4,500-Rs 5,000 for taking part in the first round of census
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