Tue Jan 06 01:30:00 UTC 2026: # Secondary Grade Teachers’ Pay Disparity Talks Continue in Chennai
The Story:
Talks between the Secondary Grade Seniority Teachers’ Association (SSTA) and the School Education Department officials in Chennai concluded on Monday, January 6, 2026, without a resolution to the ongoing pay disparity issue. Six representatives of the SSTA met with the Director of School Education and Elementary Director for three hours, but discussions will resume on Tuesday with the School Education Secretary and Minister present. Teachers have been protesting for the past 10 days to address the pay gap based on appointment dates.
Key Points:
- The Secondary Grade Seniority Teachers’ Association (SSTA) and School Education Department officials met in Chennai on January 6, 2026.
- The meeting aimed to resolve a long-standing pay disparity issue among secondary grade teachers.
- Teachers appointed before June 1, 2009, receive a basic pay of ₹8,370, while those appointed after receive ₹5,200.
- Talks are set to continue on Tuesday with the School Education Secretary and Minister present.
- The protests by secondary grade teachers will continue until the issue is resolved.
Key Takeaways:
- The pay disparity issue affecting secondary grade teachers in Chennai remains unresolved, despite ongoing negotiations.
- The involvement of higher-ranking officials (School Education Secretary and Minister) in future talks suggests a potential for a more serious effort to address the issue.
- The continued protests indicate the teachers’ determination to achieve pay equity and reflect the importance of this issue to them.
First Piper 