Despite the Government's directive to withhold salaries, the threat of disciplinary action and show-cause notices asking teachers to resume work, few have heeded the warnings. The government had also told college principals that teachers who resumed work would be provided police protection. However, president of the Association of Non-Government Colleges Principal M G Shirhatti says, ``Very few teachers have returned. The only way we can ensure that Std XII classes resume is to recruit retired teachers as suggested by the government. But we do not have enough money to advertise. And without advertisements, how can you expect eligible people to apply,'' he asks.

However, a government official said, ``The government's alternative arrangements have already been publicised by themedia. Hence, eligible retired teachers are expected to already be aware of the plan. Still, if the managements want to advertise, there is a provision under non-salary grants to provide them with funds for the purpose.'' The Mumbai University College Principals' Association has also asked the government to clarify the legal status of the disciplinary action being taken against striking teachers. Shirhatti, quoting teachers, says they have not done anything illegal. In fact, the government had been given the requisite notice before the strike, he says.

Meanwhile, vice-president of the Maharashtra Federation of Junior College Teachers' Organisations, M R Andhalkar says, ``Our agitation is on. Our federation will gherao education officers throughout the state on Monday. Tomorrow, we shall decide our future course of action.'' As part of the agitation, teachers could attend class for the students' sake but refuse to sign the muster, he says. According to a press statement released by the Mumbai Junior CollegeTeachers' Union, the itinerary includes dharnas, morchas, rallies, rasta rokos between January 18 and 26. Says union president Amar Singh, ``The teachers are not affected by the government's pressure tactics and have reiterated their determination to continue their strike till all their demands are conceded.'' Which means, the students' fate is sealed, till January 26 at least.