Teachers’ stir will not affect exams: Higher Education Minister

Bhubaneswar: Following decision of the Odisha School College Teachers and Employees United Forum to continue their agitation, Higher Education Minister Ananta Das today said that the upcoming Matriculation and Plus II exams will remain unaffected and will be held as per schedule.

“The government is fully prepared to conduct the exams. Even if the agitating teachers and staff of schools and colleges do not cooperate, the government will be able to hold the exams,” Das told mediapersons.

He further stated that as the model code of conduct is in force for the upcoming Bijepur bypoll, the State government is unable to notify the decision it has taken after considering the demands of the agitating teachers and staff.

Yesterday, the Odisha School College Teachers and Employees United Forum decided to continue with their agitation after an hour-long discussion with the Higher Education Minister and Secretary GVV Sharma at the Secretariat failed.

Members of the forum have been staging a dharna since past 11 days at the Mahtma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar demanding withdrawal of the clause mandating submission of affidavit to avail grant-in-aid.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Secretary has sought cooperation from teachers of Degree colleges for Plus II exam beginning from March 6. Though the School and Mass Education department is conducting the Plus II exam for the first time this year, the Higher Education department has intervened in view of the teachers' agitation.