662 Category Teachers Agree To Take Part In Odisha Plus II Exams, But Protest To Continue

Bhubaneswar: The agitating teachers of 662 Category colleges on Tuesday agreed to take part in the management of the Council of Higher Secondary Education, CHSE Odisha, Plus II examinations, starting Wednesday.

According to sources, the decision was taken after a high-level meeting with the ministerial committee headed by Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari. They, however, will continue their protest at Lower PMG.

“The minister assured us that our demands will be met and a meeting in this regard will be convened between March 10 and 12,” said Golak Nayak, convenor of 662 category college teachers’ association.

Around 4,000 teachers of 662 category resumed their strike earlier this month, seeking remuneration at par with others under Odisha (Payment of Grant-in-Aid to the Non-Government Aided Degree Colleges, Aided Junior Colleges and Aided Higher Secondary Schools) Grant-in-Aid Order, 2022 and had reiterated that they will not undertake invigilation duty. The strike entered the 16th day on Tuesday.

Of the 3.58 lakh students, who will appear for the Plus II examinations this year, two lakh are of 662 category colleges and higher secondary schools.

School and Mass Education Minister Samir Das had earlier urged the agitating teachers to join exam duty for the sake of students.