Odisha

Schools Merged, Not Closed, Says Govt Chief Whip In Odisha Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Closure of schools continued to dominate the proceedings in the Assembly on Sunday as government chief whip Pramila Mallik said the schools are being merged, not closed.

Making a statement during discussion on a motion in the House, Mallik said there are many schools that have two teachers for just eight students. Such schools will continue to run if the number of students increase. The motive of the government is not to deprive anyone of education, she added.

Deputy Leader of Opposition Bishnu Charan Sethi, in his reaction, said the government decision will have serious consequences. “We will stage a sit-in near the podium of the Speaker until the government rolls back the decision,” he said.

The Opposition stalled the proceedings of the House on Saturday over the issue with Congress MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati threatening to commit suicide in front of the Speaker if the government does not roll back its decision.

The Speaker directed the minister to furnish a reply in the House in two days. But, as the pandemonium continued to prevail, the Speaker adjourned the House for the day.

Also Read: Closure Of Schools: Odisha Assembly Adjourned Amid Oppn Uproar