Professional tax from Sikshan Sevaks not fair: Teachers

Teachers' organisations are furious over the professional tax being cut from their salary, which is not more than Rs7,500. These teachers are Sikshan Sevaks who work in schools for three years on a temporary basis to gain experience.

The state government has increased the minimum salary limit for profession tax from Rs5000 to Rs7,500. This came into effect from July 2014 on salary payable in August 2014.

According to the government's new rule, professional tax is applicable only on salaries above Rs7,500. Organisations like Shikshak Parishad are protesting against it since the education department has Rs175 from the salary of Shikshan Sevaks.

Anil Bornare, president of Shikshak Parishad, said, "Our appeal to the education department is not cut professional tax from teachers who earn not more than Rs7,500 per month. We also urge the department to refund the money they have already deducted of the Shikshan Sevaks since last year."

While the teachers' organisations claim that the professional tax of Shikshan Sevaks should not be deducted, a primary school teacher, Vilas Gherde, said, "Although professional tax is deducted from Shikshan Sevaks, I feel it is a kind of security for them. Tomorrow, if any school will removes them before their probation period of three years, they will have some proof of tax paid while serving."

When contacted, Shambhavi Jogi, a senior officer in the civic education department, said: "I know that professional tax is deducted from Shikshan Sevaks but I will have to check with my superiors about the minimum salary limit for this tax."

When asked how many Shikshan Sevaks are there in the primary section, the officer could not give the data.