The statewide agitation by Odisha’s primary school teachers entered its third consecutive day on Sunday, as thousands of contractual teachers continued their round-the-clock sit-in at Lower PMG in Bhubaneswar. The protesters are demanding regularisation of service and revision of their salary structure in accordance with the Rs 4,200 grade pay. Despite severe winter conditions, teachers left their classrooms and converged in the state capital as part of the second phase of their ongoing agitation.

Teachers alleged that although their demands have been raised for years and multiple committees have reviewed the matter, no concrete action has been taken. Many remained at the protest site throughout Saturday night, braving the cold. Visuals from the venue showed teachers sleeping on tarpaulin sheets and using them as makeshift covers against biting temperatures and dense fog.

One protesting teacher said their determination remained unwavering despite the hardships.

“The weather becomes extremely difficult at night with the cold and fog, but over one lakh primary teachers have gathered here to fight for our rights. We have raised these demands for many years, yet none of our issues have been addressed. We want the Rs 4,200 grade pay like other states. Until our demands are fulfilled, we will continue our protest,” he said.

Another teacher pointed to anomalies in the pay structure following changes in qualification requirements.

“As per ORSP, our qualification was upgraded from matriculation to Plus Two. Accordingly, our grade pay should have been revised from 2,200 to 4,200. Until this revision is implemented and six notional increments are granted, we will not call off our agitation,” the teacher said.

Also Read: Odisha primary school teachers stage night-long protest in Bhubaneswar over pay scale and service conditions

Government Appeals for Withdrawal of Stir

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond appealed to the teachers to return to their duties, affirming that the BJP government has taken their demands seriously and is currently examining them.