PORVORIM, November 13: Pre-primary helpers employed in government schools across Goa staged a day-long dharna outside the Directorate of Education at Alto-Porvorim on Friday, demanding immediate resolution of their long-pending service-related grievances. The protesters, supported by the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), warned of an indefinite agitation if the government failed to address their demands.

The protesting helpers demanded that their salaries be brought on par with the regular pay scale of peons employed in the Education Department, along with Dearness Allowance (DA), Provident Fund, medical facilities, leave and other service benefits.

They also demanded restoration of their earlier service conditions, including payment of a full 30-day monthly salary and wages for weekly holidays. According to AITUC, the government notification dated March 4, 2026, adversely altered their existing service conditions.

Another major demand was the extension of the retirement age to 65 years, on par with Anganwadi Sevikas, along with a one-time retirement benefit of ₹7 lakh.

The helpers further demanded eligibility for Provident Fund, gratuity and pension benefits, besides an annual salary increment of three per cent, payable every January.

A five-member delegation led by AITUC General Secretary Christopher Fonseca and Pre-Primary Helpers’ President Nirmala Naik met Director of Education Bhagirath G. Shetye and submitted a memorandum outlining their grievances.

According to the union, the Education Director assured the delegation that he would respond to their demands within 20 days.

AITUC warned that failure to resolve the issues would compel the helpers to launch an indefinite agitation.

The day-long protest witnessed participation from a large number of pre-primary helpers. Social activists and supporters, including John Clark, Rajendra Verenkar and Manisha Usgaonkar, addressed the gathering and extended their solidarity to the protesting workers.

The union maintained that pre-primary helpers play an important role in the functioning of government schools and deserve fair wages, social security and dignified retirement benefits.