Private college teachers Renew Demand for full grant-in-aid at government Panel meeting in Bhubaneswar

A delegation of the Odisha State Private College Teachers and Employees’ Association on Thursday pressed for the implementation of full grant-in-aid during a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar, as lecturers across the state continue their agitation over long-pending government assurances.

The association urged the state authorities to expedite action on earlier commitments related to the grant-in-aid policy, stating that delays had caused prolonged uncertainty for teachers and non-teaching staff in private colleges.

High-Level Committee Meeting Held

The high-level committee meeting was held at Toshali Bhawan in Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar, in the presence of Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, who attended as a representative of the state government. Senior officials from the Higher Education Department also participated in the discussions.

The meeting focused on issues raised by the association concerning the existing grant-in-aid framework and the status of assurances given by the government in the past.

Demand for 2008–2018 Appointees

During the meeting, the association reiterated its demand for extending full grant-in-aid benefits to lecturers and employees appointed between 2008 and 2018 in both grant-in-aid and non-grant-in-aid private colleges across Odisha.

The association stated that implementing full grant-in-aid for these employees was necessary to ensure parity with other staff and to address long-standing grievances within the private college education sector.

Assurance from Committee

Odisha State Non-Government Lecturers and Employees’ Association (OSNLEA) President Biswaranjan Das said the issue was discussed in detail before the committee and senior officials.

“In the presence of the Chief Minister’s representative, the Higher Education Department Secretary, and the Director, the 2008–2018 Anudan Niti was placed before the committee. After our submission, the committee assured us that it would hold further discussions with the department and write to the Chief Minister,” he said.

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The association expressed hope that the assurances would translate into concrete action in the coming days.