AP teachers body demands implementation of old pension system

The AP United Teachers’ Federation (APUTF) on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) demanded that the central and state governments protect public education and implement the old pension scheme for government employees.

Addressing a protest at Vijayawada’s Dharna Chowk, which is part of a nationwide teachers’ protest organized under the banner of South Teachers’ Federation of India, APUTF state president N. Venkateswarlu and general secretary KSS Prasad said the central and state governments are systematically undermining public education while favoring private institutions.

They argued that the government was deliberately weakening the public education system, despite the presence of large numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds in government schools.

Federation leaders have expressed concern over the closure and amalgamation of government schools. Citing a NITI Aayog report, they said around 90,000 primary schools have been closed or merged with other schools. According to U-DISE Plus reports, 972 primary schools were unofficially closed in the previous two years and that public schools only have 42% of students, highlighting the need to strengthen public education.

The federation demanded that 6% of GDP be allocated to education and that 30% of the national budget be allocated to it. They also called for adequate staffing in public schools, including secondary, upper primary and primary school teachers, as well as other necessary staff. They demanded that the recruitment of teachers should be completed within six months and that promotions should also be ensured.

The federation leaders also demanded timely filling of teaching vacancies in government schools and called for recruitment of teachers through Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and District Selection Committee (DSC) along with appointment of special teachers and other necessary staff.

State leaders and federation representatives including K. Suresh Kumar, AS Kanaka Mahalakshmi, Kodikonda Reddy Mohan Rao, B. Lakshma Raju, SP Manohar Kumar, N. Satyasri, KV Uma Maheswara Rao, B. Subba Reddy, BV Ramana, P.RR TV Chakar, NS Jakrawar, NS Jakrawar, NS Kotes Sheikh Jabi, N. Ravi, K. Srinivasa Rao and representatives from 28 districts along with other office bearers and members of the state committee.

Published – 27 Oct 2026 23:33 IST