LIVE TV
India
Recommended Stories
Bhubaneswar: Agitating primary teachers and Siksha Sahayaks have decided to continue their strike till the Odisha government issues a notification agreeing to their major demands.
The decision to continue dharna came after repeated rounds of discussion with the government yielded no results. During a meeting with the School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra for the second time today, the teachers demanded a scheduled date for issuance of notification even as the minister assured them of resolving their issues after meetings on November 13 and 17.
"The minister discussed three major points again. He reiterated about the written assurance he had given to the teachers’ association. But, our agitation will continue until the government issues notification or the CM intervenes in the matter," Siksha Sahayak association president Malay Jena said.
The minister, however, urged the teachers to cooperate with the government. "We want a favourable situation to sort out teachers' issues. But, they are adamant on continuing dharna. Anyway, government is aware of their issues. Meetings will be held on November 13 and 17 to resolve their issues," Patra said.
Hours before the meeting, the Primary Teachers' Association president Rajesh Mohanty declared withdrawal of stir following a discussion with the minister. Mohanty told reporters that the strike was put on hold ahead of Children's Day celebrations. But, members of the association ignored his decision and staged road blockade at Lower PMG Square forcing the minister to call them up again for discussions.
Also Read: Only 1 teacher can take leave from school on a day
Meanwhile, a team of State BJP leaders led by spokesperson Sajjan Sharma met the teachers at the dharna venue. The saffron leaders alleged that the government is apathetic towards the plight of teachers. "Teachers were aggrieved as the government is trying to divide them instead of addressing their issues," BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma said.
In response, Patra said "We don't believe in any divide. We want all teachers should collectively focus on improving the quality of education."
The major demands of the teachers include a grade pay of Rs 2,200-2,800, abolition of Siksha Sahayak and introduction of junior teacher rank instead.
https://youtu.be/C-fViqpwuvo
