Primary Teachers’ Association demands Central scheme salary

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Primary Teachers’ committee has threatened to stage dharna at lower PMG during the winter session of Assembly, demanding basic pay of Rs 9300 and grade pay of Rs 4200 as per the Central scheme.

The committee alleged that around 21 States across the nation have adopted the Central scheme of salary for primary teachers, whereas Odisha government is still paying basic salary of Rs 5200 and grade pay of Rs 2200 as salary.

Though qualified at par, the secondary teachers in the state are paid Rs 2800 as grade pay while the primary teachers given Rs 2200, added the committee.

As per the demand, the committee has asked the government to pay grade pay of Rs 2800 according to the 'Equal work equal pay' scheme of  January 1, 2017.

Meanwhile, if the demands are not fulfilled by the government soon, the committee warned that all 70,000 teachers from across the State will stage stir during Assembly session in winter.

"If the government does not pay as per our qualification and according to the Central scheme of salary, we will protest till our demands are fulfilled," said Rajesh Mohanty, President of  Odisha Primary Teachers committee.

However, the committee also alleged that they had brought the issue before the fitment committee but government has remained silent on the issue.