UP Shikshak Mahasangh (UPSM) has claimed that 577 teachers and support staff died on Uttar Pradesh panchayat poll duty due to COVID-19. They have submitted a list of 577 teachers to the State Election Commission (SEC).
The unions have also urged the commission to postpone the counting on May 2.
President of UP Shikshak Mahasangh (UPSM) said they have given names of 577 basic education teachers from 71 districts who died on duty.
The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday sent a notice to the SEC and sought an answer on the alleged deaths of government employees during panchayat poll duty.
Special Work Officer SK Singh on Wednesday sent out letters to all the DMs, SPs and district electoral officials to verify the reports about deaths of teachers. He has sought a report within 24 hours.
Speaking to India today, Sharma said. “The situation is extremely critical. Earlier, the union had requested the state election commission, after there was a big increase in cases on April 12, to postpone the polls but the request was ignored.”
“Lakhs of people have suffered the curse of Covid-19 because of election duties and the Election Commission has not taken this seriously,” he said.
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