577 Teachers Died In UP While On Election Duty, Many Had COVID-Like Symptoms, Allege Unions
The elections in various states, in which campaigns, irrespective of parties openly violated COVID-19 norms are said to be one of the reasons behind the deadly second wave that has gripped the country.
Though the full extent of the COVID-19 spread due to the elections will only be revealed in the coming days, in Uttar Pradesh the teachers' unions have alleged that 577 teachers and support staff died while on panchayat poll duty in the state.
While many had tested positive for COVID-19, others had died after showing Covid-like symptoms.
Unions gave list of deceased persons
On Thursday, the unions gave a list of the 577 deceased persons to the Uttar Pradesh State Election Commission (UPSEC) including names and addresses of the teachers and shiksha mitras. who were deployed on poll duty and died recently.
The unions have now asked teachers to stay away on counting day, May 2. On Tuesday, the Allahabad High Court had sent a notice to the SEC seeking explanation on Covid preparedness and the alleged deaths.
"The court's issuance of the notice has not benefited teachers because the next date of hearing in this case is May 3, which is a day after counting day. What was needed was postponement of counting at least, if not the fourth phase of elections on April 29," said a teacher leader.
Special work officer, SEC, S.K. Singh had issued a letter to all the district magistrates and district police chiefs, asking them to check the veracity of the reported deaths.
Sharma said they are yet to receive information on the health of teachers on election duties from several districts like Fatehpur, Balrampur, Shamli, Aligarh and Hamirpur.
"I am afraid about the numbers. Their families are also affected. The situation is extremely critical," he said.
He further said, "We had requested the SEC, after there was a surge in cases on April 12, to postpone the polls but our request was ignored. We may be forced to boycott counting duty," added Sharma.
Earlier this week, the Madras High Court had pulled up the Election Commission for allowing political rallies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Your institution is singularly responsible for the second wave of COVID-19. Your officers should be booked on murder charges probably" Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee had said.
