Sidharth Tanmoy Dash

Bhubaneswar: Odisha School College Teachers and Employees’ United Forum which has been agitating for the past 59 days, today decided to put their protests on hold till November 30.

"Yesterday, a 12-member delegation representing the forum had a meeting with the CMO & the Chief Secretary. Discussions were held on amending the guidelines pertaining to the abolition of Block grant system. The state Law department has promised to look into this matter and make amendments once the Supreme Court resumes after Durga puja holidays on 26th of this month. This will pave way for implementation of 7th pay commission recommendations, pension and other service conditions," said president of the forum, Pabitra Mahala.

"Though the state government has realised it lately, we are happy that they have acknowledged our rights. After being assured by the Chief Secretary, we have decided to put our strike on hold. But if the state government tries to cheat us like earlier then the State will witness protests like never before," said Golak Nayak, convenor of the forum.

The block grant teachers and employees have been demanding removal of affidavit clause in the newly-announced grant-in-aid system, equal salary for equal work, provision of full aid and several other service conditions.

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