Rudrapur: A govt school teacher in Uttarakhand has written to the Prime Minister purportedly in his blood, highlighting the plight of teachers across the state amid a state-wide stir over nearly 34 demands, including promotions, transfers and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme.

Ravi Bagoti, 50, a statehood movement activist and provincial member of the Rajkiya Shikshak Sangh, is posted as assistant teacher (LT) at govt inter college, Gaindakhal in Champawat. He said he had to take this step as “thousands of teachers have been waiting for promotions for decades”.

In his letter, Bagoti claimed that nearly 90% of high schools in Uttarakhand do not have full-time principals, while 95% of inter colleges function without heads, leaving the education system in disarray. “Despite serving for 25-30 years, teachers are stuck in the same post without promotion. The govt and department are turning a blind eye to our genuine demands,” he wrote.

He alleged that instead of promoting teachers based on seniority, the department is insisting on direct recruitment to principal and headmaster posts. “This is unfair,” Bagoti said.

Rajkiya Shikshak Sangh’s provincial president Ram Singh Chauhan said Bagoti is not alone. “Several teachers across the state have written similar letters too. This symbolic protest is part of our agitation, where teachers have stopped non-academic duties and are focusing only on teaching under our non-cooperation movement,” he said.