Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 29:

Over 10,000 lecturers and staff of 488-category block grant colleges held a massive rally at the Lower PMG square in the Odisha capital today to press on their demands for abolition of block grant system and implementation of full Grant-In-Aid (GIA) with service conditions in conformity with qualifications.

488-category block grant teachers' rally

The 488-category block grant college teachers and employees coordination committee has threatened to boycott Plus II examinations scheduled to start from March 2.

“We are not going to budge an inch in our demand for abolition of block grant system and implementation of full Grant-In-Aid (GIA) with service conditions in conformity with qualifications. It is a do or die situation for us,” said Pabitra Mahala, president 488-category block grant college teachers and employees coordination committee.

The Higher Education Minister Pradeep Panigrahy had on Sunday warned that the government would not hesitate to take appropriate action in conformity with the law in the event of non-cooperation in the conduct of the examinations.

“The government will be forced to take appropriate action as deemed fit under the law against those who would play with the future of the students. The government is ready for it. I believe in a democracy solutions can be found out through dialogue,” said Pradeep Panigrahy, Minister Higher Education.

Caught in the crossfire between the striking teachers and the state government are students who will appear their Plus II examinations beginning March 2.

This year a record 3.73 lakh examinees will be appearing Plus II examination in 1098 examination centres across the state.