Odisha School-College Teachers Put Strike On Hold Till Nov 30

Bhubaneswar: The members of Odisha School-College Teachers and Employees’ United Forum on Saturday decided to put their strike on hold till November 30, following assurance by the state government to consider their demands.

“The discussion of the forum with Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi remained successful as he assured us that our demands would be fulfilled. The state government has assured us to release our salary that was cut during our strike and extend the deadline for submission of affidavit for availing grant-in-aid from September 30 to November 30,” convenor of the forum Pabitra Mahala said.

The teachers and employees of different schools and colleges were on strike at Mahatma Gandhi Marg since the last 59 days, seeking fulfillment of their demands including service conditions and provision of pension for retired teachers.

The agitators had also hit the streets at panchayat and block levels, besides locking up schools last month to press for their demands.

At a meeting, held in August, Finance Minister Sashi Bhushan Behera had assured that their demands would be considered after another meeting that was to be convened soon. He had requested the block teachers to withdraw their strike and join duties.

However, the agitators had decided to continue their strike till the demands were met.