The 662-category colleges under the banner of AONGLEA (All Odisha Non-Government Lecturers and Employees Association) have been on dharna at the Lower PMG for the last 140 days since February 13, for fulfilment of their various demands, but the Government, except for forming a panel to look into the issue, has long remained in hibernation.
The agitating teachers are decrying discrimination in salary with their counterparts in the 488-category colleges, demanding equal pay for equal grade pay, actual salary as per 7th pay Commission recommendation, pensionary benefits, GIA benefits to the left-out employees and fresh recruitments in vacant posts etc.
Four grand congregations of these employees were organised at the Lower PMG to draw the Government’s attention towards their demands but in vain.
The Government had discussed with the association leaders and assured the striking employees to fulfil their demands by constituting an Inter-Ministerial Committee and requested them to co-operate with the examination and valuation process for the greater interest of the students back in March-April. Accordingly, the association admitting the request, joined in the regular process of the colleges. But till date, the promises have not been kept and the Government has been rather sitting idle after constituting the Inter-Ministerial panel which has not taken any decision for fulfilment of the demands.
Meanwhile, the AONGLEA observed its 20th Foundation Day on Saturday by holding a meeting of its executive body members of district levels and called a Press meet to air the grievances. Association president Golak Nayak, secretaries Dr Gagan Beura and Satapuddin Mohammad and others expressed their anguish on bureaucrats who are not listening to their demands for a long period. This time the association has given a 20 days’ ultimatum to fulfil the demands failing which they will cease their normal works in colleges from July 20. At the district level, the association members will send their memorandum to the CM regarding their upcoming cease-work.