Hundreds of teachers under the banner of Odisha Secondary Teachers' Association launched a three-day-long day-night protest at Lower PMG Square in Bhubaneswar demanding fulfilment of the 21-point charter of demands.
According to sources, more than10000 teachers hit the streets and took out a massive rally in the State capital demanding pension, gratuity and changes in terms and conditions of their service rules.
“There are 194 schools in the State where teachers are working without salary. They are about to retire but unfortunately, they not even getting a penny for their service. It is really unfortunate that a headmaster, after working for 35 years, is forced to sell vegetables to make ends meet,” said an agitating teacher.
Another protesting teacher said, “The government has done nothing for us. As there is no pension provision, many of us are forced to sell vegetables, rear cattle and take up other works to run the family after retirement from the service.”
“As many as 194 schools are deprived of government aid. Even after serving for 12 years, I have not received any benefits. Forget teachers, students in our school are also not getting free textbooks, uniforms and bicycles which are provided in other government schools,” a lady teacher from Cuttack, who also took part in the protest, rued.