Odisha primary teachers protest outside assembly, seek salary revision and service benefits

Bhubaneswar: Thousands of primary school teachers from across Odisha continued their protest outside the state assembly, pressing for a salary hike and other service-related benefits even as the House remained in session.

The teachers who gathered here on Friday, are rallying under the banner of Prathamika Shikshyak Mahasangha, have demanded that their posts be upgraded to Level 2, with a monthly salary of Rs 35,400 and a grade pay of Rs 4,200. They are also seeking regular service status and pension benefits. Many of them have been staging day-and-night demonstrations near the assembly, causing disruptions in the functioning of primary schools across the state.

Protesters pointed out that several other states already offer primary teachers salaries starting at Rs 35,400 with higher grade pay, while Odisha continues to lag behind with a grade pay of only Rs 2,200. Ranjan Das, convenor of the association, warned that the agitation would intensify if the government does not address their demands by December 10.

The issue resonated inside the assembly as well, with MLAs Goutam Buddha Das of the BJD and Congress member Pabitra Saunta raising the matter during Zero Hour.

Responding to the concerns, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond said the government was open to dialogue and stressed that such issues cannot be resolved overnight. “Let the teachers come forward for discussions. We will certainly give serious consideration to their demands,” he assured, urging them to call off the strike in the interest of students.

Meanwhile, school cooks also staged a separate protest at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, demanding that their monthly remuneration be increased to Rs 13,860.

(with inputs from agencies)