The indefinite relay hunger strike initiated by the Himachal Pradesh Primary Teachers Federation against the introduction of the School Complex System has now reached its third consecutive day. Teachers have reaffirmed that their protest will persist until the state government formally rescinds the notification that introduced this new administrative structure.

The teachers are staging their hunger strike at the Directorate of Elementary Education premises in Shimla, with participants from various districts taking turns for a 24-hour fast. This form of protest follows a 15-day state-wide march and a significant gathering at Chaura Maidan on Sunday, where thousands of primary teachers, along with mid-day meal workers and multi-task employees in education, demanded an annulment of the School Complex System introduced at the end of 2025.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the site of the protest and assured the teachers that a committee would be established to consider their demands. Despite these reassurances, the teachers’ federation decided to maintain the relay hunger strike until the government’s commitments are formally enacted.

Concerns Over Administrative Changes in Education

Another participating teacher, Tajendra Vikram, conveyed that while the federation has around 25 demands, it is currently concentrating solely on the repeal of the School Complex System. “The new system poses a risk to the entire foundation of primary education,” Vikram said. He pointed out that government schools primarily serve children from ordinary families reliant on neighbourhood schools.

“Current administrative positions are held by individuals who have advanced through the primary education sector and grasp the on-ground realities. Diminishing their authority could ultimately compromise educational quality,” he added. Despite the challenges, teachers remain hopeful following the Chief Minister’s personal visit, describing his approach as positive towards their concerns.

The federation noted that teachers from various districts participate in the relay hunger strike on a rotational basis, with different district teams replacing each other every 24 hours. Federation leaders affirmed that the protest will continue indefinitely until the government officially revokes the notification concerning the School Complex System and fulfils the commitments made by the Chief Minister.

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