New Delhi, Feb 27: Former Defence Minister, George Fernandes today joined the All India Navodaya Vidyalaya Staff Association (AINVSA) in their protest here today to demand pension and gratuity.

Addressing the gathering, Fernandes said: "The teachers have come from different parts of the country. They have been deprived of their rights. We will have to see who is behind this action against the teachers. The struggle, which has started today, will continue till the battle is won."

The protesters blamed the Central Government for not providing them with basic facilities like pension and gratuity. They claimed they were putting a minimum of ten to twelve hours of work per day, and therefore, their pay scales should match what Central School teachers were getting.

The Navodaya Vidyalayas were established in 1986. The country today has 567 Navodaya Vidyalayas. (ANI)