Odisha lecturers threaten stir over withdrawal of GIA

Bhubaneswar: College lecturers under the banner of All Odisha 662 (+2, +3) Non-Government Lectures and Employees’ Association have threatened to launch stir protesting State government's decision to withdraw grant-in-aid (GIA) facility.

The association, in a meeting organised at Karmachari Bhawan in Bhubaneswar today declared to launch agitation if the government does not reconsider its decision. It further warned that teachers will commit self-immolation if their demands are not met.

According to sources, lecturers and staff employed in Non-Government Colleges, Junior Colleges or Higher Secondary Schools are being paid salary on basis of the GIA order passed by the Higher Education department in 2008.

The State government has now decided to withdraw GIA as a result of which hundreds of lecturers and employees will not only lose their jobs but have to return their salaries, added sources.

"What were the circumstances at the time when the State government framed the rules? Did the teachers at that time take their salary forcibly? The association will not tolerate if the government withdraws the decision now," said president of the association, Golak Nayak.