Tue Feb 25 15:58:39 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Teachers and Government Employees Stage Statewide Protest

**Madurai, February 25, 2025** – Thousands of teachers and government employees across Tamil Nadu participated in a statewide protest on Tuesday, demanding the reinstatement of the old pension scheme and other key reforms. The Joint Action Council of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisations and the Government Employees Organisation (JACTTO-GEO), along with the Tamil Nadu Revenue Officers Association, organized the demonstration, which followed a breakdown in talks with the state government.

The protest, defying a Madras High Court order against the strike, saw participation in all districts. Schools and government offices experienced significant disruption due to the large-scale participation. Reports indicate that over 500 schools in Madurai alone were closed due to teacher absences. In Virudhunagar district, over 2,500 JACTTO-GEO members stayed away from work.

The protesters’ demands encompass a ten-point charter, prominently featuring the revival of the old pension scheme and the scrapping of the new one. They also condemned the arrest of over 350 fellow protesters in Thoothukudi, alleging the actions violated their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. JACTTO-GEO leaders called for the immediate release of those detained and demanded action against the police officers involved.

The protest also targeted the ruling DMK government, with accusations of failing to fulfill election promises made four years ago. JACTTO-GEO coordinator Elangovan issued a stark warning that failure to address the pension scheme issue in the upcoming budget would make it the party’s last. The demonstrations were held outside collectorates and union offices across the state, with significant participation from teachers and government employees.

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