With the State Government not taking any effective steps on their issues, nearly 20,000 contract teachers engaged in different high schools in the State resorted to indefinite cease-work and staged a demonstration at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here on Monday.
The teachers under the banner of the Odisha Govt High School Contract and New Pension Scheme Teachers’ Association took out a procession protesting the Government’s apathetic attitude towards their grievances.
The teachers have been demanding grade pay of Rs 4,200 along with the basic pay, besides basic salary of Rs 9,300, a 10-per cent annual increment and pension facility from the very first date of their joining.
“last month, we had informed the Government about our grievances and even stated that we would resort to agitation from November 10 for an indefinite period if the demands are not met. But the Government has not taken any tangible steps, forcing us to take to the street,” said association president Purna Chandra Aech.
He demanded that the School and Mass Education and Finance Departments sit together to sort out the issues without any further delay.
“At a time when the Government has taken a decision to recruit 5,634 more contract teachers in high schools, nearly 20,000 contract teachers already engaged in different high schools are deprived of basic Government facilities as per the General Administration Department’s notification. Hence, we urge the Government to take up our demands seriously,” added Aech.