Amid rift, teachers continue strike; Odisha govt in a fix

At a time when educational institutions should be reverberating with mantras on Ganesh Chaturthi, several schools in Odisha wore a deserted look due to the ongoing agitation of teachers.

Though several students turned up at the Balidi primary school at Belaguntha in Ganjam district on the occasion of Ganesh puja wearing new clothes, they returned with a heavy heart as the school gate was locked. “We are dissatisfied as the school is locked and we could not celebrate the puja,” said a student.

Instead of coming to the school, agitating teachers observed the Ganesh puja in front of Bhanjanagar block education officer’s office. In Bargarh, the teachers observed the puja at the demonstration site and raised slogans against the Odisha government. Ganesh puja was also celebrated in a symbolic manner in other schools today.

It is pertinent to mention here that the inter-ministerial committee held a discussion with the agitating teachers’ associations yesterday.

Though Nikhil Utkal Teachers’ Federation announced to put the agitation on hold, 8 other associations have decided to continue with their stir over fulfilment of the three-point charter of demands.

Under such circumstances, questions are being raised as to how the rift was created among the teachers’ association? Whether the Odisha government followed the divide-and-rule policy ahead of the Assembly session? The other associations have categorically stated that the state government will not succeed in its attempt to derail the agitation.

“The strike continued for 11 days and we do not know under what circumstances or what pressure the official of the association announced to put the stir on hold. We will continue with our agitation,” said Debi Shankar Das, a teacher.

Sushant Behera, President of the All Odisha Primary Teachers’ Association said, “Without our consent, the official withdrew the strike. It has hurt the sentiments of teachers and as teachers, we will fight the battle legally.”