Odisha teachers begin stir demanding full grant

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 28:

Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSSTA), the largest teaching body of the state, today took out a massive rally in the capital city as the state government did not fulfil their demands.

According to reports, around 30, 000 teachers participated in the huge rally demanding full grant and abolition of block grant system.

“The state government was directed to file affidavit in the High Court but it hasn’t done the needful till date. Various issues are being taken up in the Assembly. However, the demands pending since 22-long years are not being discussed. The government must tell the court on March 30 to abolish block grant system and introduce full grant. Besides, it should make clear its stand in the Assembly. Till our demands are met, we will continue with our agitation,” Convenor of OSSTA, Prakash Chandra Mohanty said.

On the other hand, a ruling party legislator didn’t approve of the agitation by the teachers.

“An inter-ministerial committee has been formed and discussion on this has taken place. In view of this, it is not proper to resort to strike,” BJD spokesperson Amar Prasad Satapathy said.

It may be recalled that the teachers’ body was on agitation at Lower PMG here for 46 days in August last year.