Jhapa, April 22

Teaching-learning activities in private schools were obstructed due to the agitation of the Association of Drivers of Private Schools in Jhapa today.

The drivers halted their services demanding salary hike, Dashain allowance and free education for their kids.

Jhapa chairperson of the association, Padam Lal Tamang, argued that they had no option but to resort the protest as PABSON, NPABSON and HISSAN did not heed their earlier demands. “We have put forth minimum demands, which are genuine.

Though the private schools are making huge profits, they have been exploiting us. We are compelled to work for Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000 per month. Some schools, however, are paying up to Rs 12,000 a month,” said Tamang.

The association has demanded Rs 18,000 for minibus drivers, Rs 16,000 for micro-bus drivers and Rs 9,700 for helpers as monthly salary. It has also demanded that a month’s salary be provided as Dashain allowance.

Earlier, the association had decided to launch protest and warned that they would not let anyone run the school vehicles until their demands were met.

The association announced that it would take out a rally on April 23 and stage a sit-in protest in front of PABSON and NPABSON offices on April 24.

There are around 167 drivers affiliated to the association, according to Tamang.