Bhubaneswar, Dec, 16: The Odisha Secondary School Teachers’ Association (OSSTA), the largest teachers’ organization in Odisha, has expressed its moral support for the ongoing primary teachers’ dharna (protest) on Gandhimarg, Bhubaneswar.
It is noted that teachers from all primary schools in the state have been protesting on Rajarasta, Bhubaneswar, demanding their pending dues for two years. Since 2001, all serving primary teachers have been requesting regular recognition, payment of national increments, post upgrades to Level 2, and salary disbursement according to the Grade Pay of ₹3,500–4,200.
Following a previous announcement, the Primary Teachers’ Association has called on thousands of teachers to demonstrate in front of the Odisha Legislative Assembly and warned that they will not return to schools until their demands are met. The OSTA has fully supported this stand.
The state government is urged to adopt a positive approach and fulfill the teachers’ demands, as conveyed by OSTA leaders, including President Akshaya Mishra, Executive President Nalmani Purohit, General Secretary Ranjan N. Dash, Joint General Secretary Brajkishore Biswal, Treasurer Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, and Education Secretary Kumar Subuddhi.