Bhopal: Professors in Madhya Pradesh are marking Teachers Day in a different way this Saturday -- they have started an indefinite strike demanding higher pay.

The joint front of government college teachers, Shasakiya Mahavidyalayin Shikshak Sanyukta Sangharsh Samiti, said the teachers went on an indefinite strike after the state government failed to keep its promise of implementing the revised pay scale from September 4.

The teachers will not participate in any of the functions organised for them on this special day.

"Madhya Pradesh Education Minister Archana Chitnis had assured teachers after a state level rally on Aug 22 that all action for implementation of the revised scales would be completed by September 4," a statement issued by the committee said.

Earlier the teachers had undertaken phase-wise but peaceful agitation from Aug 3-22 to press their demands. They suspended their agitation after being assured that their pay would be revised September 4.

The agitating teachers will hold a demonstration in front of various government-run colleges from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The Madhya Pradesh University Teachers Association and the Barkatullah (Bhopal) University Teachers' Association (BUTA) president H.S. Yadav told sources: "We will be on an indefinite strike from Saturday till our demands are fulfilled." IANS