TV
In a bid to resolve the ongoing teachers’ agitation, the Odisha government on Saturday initiated formal discussions with a delegation of protesting teachers.
School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond and Law Minister Pruthviraj Harichandan held a joint meeting with the Odisha School College Teachers’ and Employees’ Coordination Committee (OSCTECC) to deliberate on their key demands.
Ministers Announce Committee
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Gond said the state government is serious about addressing teachers’ concerns and will constitute a dedicated Committee to study their issues.
“We are aware of the various demands. Talks and meetings are on at several stages regarding the fulfilment of these matters. Detailed discussions are being conducted and will be declared in due time,” he said.
Reports stated that the Committee will include members from the Finance and Law departments, along with educationists. Law Minister Harichandan added that the matter has already been discussed with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
“We have a clear and straightforward intention, which is that we stand with the teachers. Their demands are definitely being considered, and there is no need for them to carry out a strike in these weather conditions. We are holding discussions and will reach a solution soon,” he stated.
The Ministers confirmed that a five-member Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will soon be convened to examine the four major demands raised by the teachers. A positive decision is expected shortly, they said, while appealing to the agitators to withdraw their protests.
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Teachers Seek Written Assurance
Teacher representatives welcomed the dialogue but insisted on formal assurance. “In the meeting, we said to the minister to hand us a written declaration that the government is mulling steps to considering our demand. Following this, our core committee will decide the next course of action,” said Ranjan Das, convener of OSCTECC.
The teachers’ body maintained that until a written commitment is received, the agitation will continue.
The talks came in the backdrop of widespread demonstrations held on Teachers’ Day, when hundreds of teachers marched on Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar to press their long-standing demands. These include pension benefits for retired teachers, an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 62 years, and improvements to service-related conditions.
