Thousands of primary school teachers in Odisha launched a significant mass protest outside the State Assembly in Bhubaneswar, beginning Friday. The demonstration centers on demands for substantial pay hikes and comprehensive service benefits. Organized under the banner of the ‘Prathamika Shikshyak Mahasangha,’ teachers from across Odisha gathered for day and night protests.
The teachers’ core demands include the reclassification of their posts to a ‘level-2’ category. This reclassification would establish a starting salary of Rs 35,400 , coupled with a Rs 4,200 grade pay. Additionally, the protesting teachers seek the provision of regular service benefits and a full pension scheme.
Significant Pay Disparity Highlighted
Protesting teachers emphasize a stark difference in compensation compared to other Indian states. They report that primary teachers in several other states receive salaries starting at Rs 35,400 or higher, along with a Rs 4,200 grade pay. In contrast, Odisha currently provides its primary teachers with only Rs 2,200 as grade pay.
This ongoing protest has caused disruptions to the functioning of primary schools throughout Odisha, directly impacting student education across the state.
Ultimatum Issued to Government
Ranjan Das, convenor of the teachers’ association, issued a clear warning to the state government. He stated that the protest would intensify significantly if the government fails to address and fulfill the teachers’ demands by December 10 . This deadline marks a critical point for potential escalation.
Assembly Addresses Teacher Grievances
The issues raised by the primary teachers were brought before the State Assembly during the zero hour. Opposition members Goutam Buddha Das of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Pabitra Saunta of the Indian National Congress (Congress) both voiced the teachers’ concerns within the legislative session.
Minister Offers Dialogue, Urges Return to Duty
Nityananda Gond, the School and Mass Education Minister, addressed the situation. He publicly affirmed the government’s readiness to engage in discussions with the agitating teachers to find resolutions to their issues.
Minister Gond articulated the government’s position, stating, “It is not possible to fulfil all their demands in one day. Let them come to the table for discussion. We will definitely give importance to their demands.” He also appealed directly to the teachers, urging them to withdraw their strike and resume their duties immediately, citing the critical interest of students.
Related Protests by School Cooks
Concurrently, another group of school workers, comprising cooks engaged in schools, also staged a demonstration. Their protest took place along Mahatma Gandhi Marg. These cooks are demanding a substantial increase in their monthly remuneration, seeking a revised payment of Rs 13,860 per month.