Guwahati: The teaching fraternity of Assam on Tuesday criticised education minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya for his statement that strict action will be taken against teachers who participate in protests without taking leave.

General secretary of All Assam Lower Primary Teachers' Association, Ratul Chandra Goswami, said, "No teacher wants to protest on the streets. Our duty is to teach the young generation so they can have a bright future. However, the government was not concerned about our problems. Before providing the best service, we should be free from our problems."

He said they had asked the education minister's office on May 2 for an appointment to discuss their problems. "We have failed to get any response from Dispur so far. We want to meet the minister to discuss our long-pending demands."

The lower primary teachers are demanding allocation of grade pay, proper implementation of service rule and adequate supply of textbooks to every school, among others.

Bhattacharya said on Monday: "Some teachers were not coming to class without taking leave. We will take stern action against those who participate in protests by hampering academic activity and without leave. All teachers should give priority to the students."

The minister also pointed out that some teachers were posting comments on social media criticising the state government or making political statements. Bhattacharya said some rules and regulations will come into force very soon to restrict such comments.

Tulsi Das, senior member of the All Assam College Teachers' Association, said the statement of the education minister was an "attack on freedom of speech". "All college teachers protest only for their right. If someone protests without any reason, then the government should definitely take action."

The demands of the college teachers include new appointments, implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission and extending retirement age to 65 years, among others.

Bhattacharya said on Tuesday, "I am not against any kind of democratic protest. Everyone has the right to protest. But the teachers should keep it mind that their right to protest should not hamper students in any way."