Bandipora, April 3, KNT: Teachers in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district are up in arms against Tehsildar Ajas after they were directed to conduct door-to-door survey to check out if there is anyone who is a Covid-19 suspect or have any travel history.
These teachers have also been asked to be present at every naka to find suspects in the vehicles.
Some of the teachers told Kashmir News Trust that they don’t have any problem with the duty assigned to them but the thing is that they are without Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits. “Give us PPE kits and we will do our duty. Without these kits, authorities can’t put our lives at risk,” they said.
Pertinently, Tehsildar Ajas has directed teachers to conduct door-to- door survey of houses in Ajas area of Bandipora. In Sadarkoot Bandipora, over 8 persons have already been tested positive and in wake of this authorities believe there might be more Covid-19 suspects. In Bandipora alone there are 12 positive cases.
When contacted Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shahbaz Mirza told KNT that these teachers are part of surveillance teams which include Patwaris, Village Level Workers and Asha workers. He added that people part of the surveillance team will be equipped with protective gears.
Ironically, Tehsildar Ajas, Naveed Ahmed Bhat said that teachers should bear expenses for these kits themselves as government can’t help them in this matter. Tehsildar said that he and his staff also spent money from his own pocket and by Personal Protective Equipments. (KNT)
