Accusing the State Government of betraying them, Block Grant (BG) school teachers on Monday resumed their agitation demanding immediate withdrawal of the BG system. The teachers also demanded that the Government make public the steps taken by the Inter-Ministerial Committee formed to look into their demands.
Holding placards and shouting slogans in favour of their demands, nearly 500 teachers under the banner of the School Teachers’ Federation of Odisha (STFO) took out a procession from Master Canteen and tried to march towards the Assembly. However, they were blocked by the police midway.
“The Government has failed to keep its words on abolition of the Block Grant system. Had the High Court not asked us to withdraw strike and cooperate in the annual HSC examinations, we would have had continued our stir,” said STFO president Prakash Jena.
Jena said the HC had asked the Government to give us in writing the steps it has taken so far to abolish the BG system. But the Government has not even complied with the order.
Meanwhile, the Government said the Inter-Ministerial Committee needs more time to solve the issue.
“The committee is examining all aspects of the Block Grant system, and it will take some more time,” said BJD spokesperson Amar Satapathy.