Pressure tactics and politics over teacher strike in Odisha

The primary teachers across Odisha are now on a warpath. The ongoing agitation of the teachers over several demands has now entered its seventh day and they also seem to be in no mood to budge as well. The result of the ongoing teachers’ stir is that the education system has virtually collapsed in the state.

Amidst the ongoing stalemate, the Odisha government flexed its muscles and tried to apply pressure tactics on the agitating teachers. In a letter written to all the DEOs and BEOs of the State, the Director of Elementary Education highlighted that most of the teachers have not taken any permission from their competent authorities and participated in the strike which is gross misconduct.

The elementary education director stated that there shall be 220 working days in an academic year and if the same will not be achieved during the normal working months, then it has to be compensated in the later part. However, this failed to elicit any response from the agitating teachers as the Primary Teachers’ Association has decided to continue with their stir till their demands are not met.

“Why the government withdrew the old pension provision. It is our right as many of us have worked for over 6 years. We will continue our agitation till our demands are not met,” said Bhagawa Bhuiyan, a teacher.

Brahmhanand Moharana, a senior official of the association said, “We had informed that we are going on mass leave from September 8 and we are not going to budge over such threats by the government.”

Meanwhile, politics is also active over the ongoing agitation with the opposition parties targeting the Odisha government over the matter.

Senior Congress leader, Narasingha Mishra said, “All the schools are closed and uncertainty looms large over the fate of the students. But the Odisha government has not taken any steps to resolve the matter by holding talks with the teachers.”

Odisha BJP Spokesperson, Manoj Mohapatra said, “The inter-ministerial committees are being set up along with sub-committees by the government. All these are gimmicks. The demands of teachers are justified. We warn the state government not to threaten the teachers else there will be massive protests in the state.”

Ruling BJD leader, Subhas Singh said, “The ministerial level committee has met and efforts are on to resolve the matter after proper review.”