Manipur Lecturers’ Pen-Down Strike Extended Till August 2: The Fight for Regularisation Continues
News Summary (Short Version)
On July 26, 2025, the All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturers’ Welfare Association (AMGHSLA) announced an extension of their ongoing pen-down strike until August 2. This protest movement, initiated over persistent delays in the regularisation of contract lecturers, highlights long-standing grievances. Despite serving the education system for years—some even over a decade—many contractual lecturers remain in professional limbo without job security or benefits. The lecturers have urged the state government to honour past assurances and resolve the issue immediately. Until then, their tools remain down, and black badges remain on.
Introduction: Lecturers Say “Enough is Enough”
Ever tried working day in and day out for years, giving your best, only to be told that you’re still “temporary”? Imagine that frustration. That’s exactly what hundreds of higher secondary lecturers in Manipur are feeling right now. And guess what? They’re not staying silent anymore.
With chalks down and classrooms quiet, the All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturers’ Welfare Association (AMGHSLA) has made its stand crystal clear: either regularise the contract lecturers or prepare for a deeper education crisis. Their pen-down strike, which started earlier in July, has just been extended till August 2, and there’s a storm of public support and educational concern brewing around it.
Let’s break down what’s really happening here—and why it matters more than you might think.
Why Are Lecturers on Strike?
Let’s get real. Being a teacher is hard. But being a contractual teacher who isn’t even sure about their job next year? That’s a whole different level of stress.
The core demand of the protesting lecturers is regularisation—which means converting their current contractual positions into full-time, permanent posts. Many of them have served for 10 to 15 years under the state government, earning far less than their regularized counterparts while doing the exact same job.
So, what pushed them to this breaking point?
- Unfulfilled Promises: The government has, over the years, verbally assured lecturers of regularisation. Yet, no formal, legal step has been taken.
- Job Insecurity: Contractual workers live with the constant fear of being replaced or dropped.
- Inequity: Despite equal qualifications and responsibilities, contract lecturers are paid less and denied benefits like pensions, medical leave, or promotions.
- Lack of Respect: These educators feel undervalued, even though they’re pillars of the academic system.
Can you blame them for putting down their pens?
What Does a Pen-Down Strike Mean?
A “pen-down” strike is quite symbolic, isn’t it? It basically means that the lecturers will not engage in any official duties—no taking classes, grading papers, submitting attendance, or even attending meetings. But they don’t just walk out; they stay present but silent. This kind of protest hits the system where it hurts most—routine educational functioning.
And it’s not just about skipping work. They’re also donning black badges, silently broadcasting their message: We are here. We are watching. We demand change.
Conclusion: Respect the Chalk, Honour the Educators
Let’s end with a simple truth: Education is the backbone of a healthy society.
And educators? They’re the backbone of that backbone.
For years, these lecturers have held the line, sometimes on sheer willpower alone. Isn’t it time we honoured that commitment? Isn’t it time the government stopped turning a blind eye to the very people who make the wheels of learning turn?
The pen may be down for now. But the message is louder than ever: “We won’t be invisible anymore.”
FAQs
- Why are Manipur lecturers on a pen-down strike?
They’re protesting the state government’s delay in regularising their jobs after years of contractual service, despite multiple promises. - How long has the strike been going on?
It began earlier in July 2025 and has now been extended till August 2. - What impact is the strike having on students?
Classes are disrupted, exam preparations are stalled, and internal assessments are pending, especially affecting Class 11 and 12 students. - What are the lecturers demanding exactly?
Full regularisation of their positions, equal pay, job benefits, and legal assurances for long-term employment. - What happens if the government doesn’t act by August 2?
The strike may escalate into a total academic shutdown, affecting hundreds of schools across the state.
