THE Delhi state committee of the CPI(M), in a statement issued on April 12, has condemned the termination of services by the AAP state government of thousands of teachers working under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). The AAP is blaming de-recognition of these teachers by the MHRD and stoppage of central funds for the SSA for this situation. The BJP on the other hand denies these accusations and blames the AAP for using the teachers as a pawn in their fight against the BJP. This is yet another instance of shadow boxing that is being indulged in by the AAP and BJP at the cost of ordinary people. What is stopping the MHRD from declaring that it has not derecognised the SSA teachers? Why doesn’t the central government come clean by actually allocating funds for the scheme? Similarly, why is not the AAP making this a big issue, especially in light of its professed commitment to regularise contract workers? Both appear to be indulging in petty politicking with little concern for the plight of the SSA teachers. The CPI(M) demands that:  Contractual SSA teachers be reinstated with immediate effect.  Given the long-term importance of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, contractual SSA teachers be made permanent against regular posts.  The state and central governments work in co-ordination to ensure smooth functioning of the SSA and safeguard the interests of SSA teachers.