Chaos in assembly over dismissal of contractual polytechnic teachers

Guwahati: The state assembly on Wednesday descended into chaos regarding the dismissal of contractual teachers at govt-run polytechnic institutes, necessitating a brief adjournment of the House.
Post Question Hour, Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader Debabrata Saikia introduced an adjournment motion, seeking deliberation on the termination of 147 teachers, including 64 recent dismissals. Speaker Biswajit Daimary declined the discussion proposal.
The speaker indicated that Congress MLA Diganta Barman had already submitted a motion for Zero Hour discussion on the matter, which was approved. "The subject can be discussed during Zero Hour through your colleague's motion. Hence, I've rejected the adjournment motion," he informed Saikia.
The LoP responded that these educators served since 2017 and sought service regularisation. "They demonstrated in Guwahati last week before their abrupt termination. This is unjust, and we require a governmental statement," he added.
Opposition parties, including Congress, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), CPM, and Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi unanimously demanded discussion by suspending routine proceedings. Gogoi said Assam isn't a ‘Hitler state' and insisted on the teachers' reinstatement.
Upon the speaker's steadfast position, opposition members from Congress, AIUDF, CPM and Independent MLAs advanced to the well, raising slogans while holding placards. Consequently, the speaker announced a 10-minute adjournment.
Upon reconvening, the opposition persisted with their adjournment motion demand and calls for reinstating the terminated faculty. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary urged utilising Barman's Zero Hour notice for discussion.
Deputy speaker Numal Momin, then presiding, advised the opposition to address the matter subsequently for thorough deliberation. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, whilst addressing another matter later, said that the terminated teachers were recruited in 2017 as part-time faculty, conditional upon vacating positions when permanent appointments occurred.
"They challenged us in Gauhati high court. Despite an initial stay order, the court recently lifted it, leading to their removal," he said. Pegu added that the govt completed initial examinations for permanent polytechnic teaching positions, with second-round procedures underway.