Odisha School Teachers’ Body Threatens Non-Cooperation Over Sunday Holiday

Cuttack: The Odisha Secondary School Teachers Association (OSSTA) today threatened the state government with non-cooperation over Sunday holiday.

Talking to media, OSSTA general secretary Prakash Chandra Mohanty said the School and Mass Education Minister is concerned over completion of the courses for Class X in time.

Since more emphasis is given on completion of courses for Class X students for ensuing annual matriculation examination, Mohanty assured that the courses will be completed much earlier as the syllabuses have been reduced by 30 per cent and teachers are taking extra classes than prescribed.

“We propose the minister that let there be one more period for Class X students on Saturday. We are ready for it. But, there will be no class on Sunday as it has put more mental pressure on the teachers and students. Teaching is a mental process. If we cannot maintain the mental balance, teaching will be severely affected. Apart from this, we have observed that the students are not concentrating in their class on Sunday,” Mohanty said.

He also said while male teachers are unable to taken up household responsibilities on Sunday, female teachers are unable to give time to their children. The worries of teachers are compounded with the reopening of Class IX as the school timing will start from 8 am.

“The state government has allowed Saturday and Sunday as a holiday for its employees whereas it has compelled the teachers to attend their school on Sunday which is a gross violation of the labour law and the human rights. When there is no urgency for completion of Class X courses as it will be completed one more ahead of the schedule, why the teachers are forced to teach on Sunday?” The government cannot treat the teachers as bonded labourers,” Mohanty pointed out.

He said if the government does not allow us to avail holiday on Sunday, the teachers will move the court of law and not cooperate with the government.

Also Read: Schools For Classes X, XII Reopen In Odisha