The Odisha Sikhita Kalakar Mancha decided to defer its agitation to September after discussions with School and Mass Education Minister Rabi Narayan Nanda on Thursday.
Demanding recruitment of permanent art teachers in schools and colleges, the artists had intensified their agitation on its second day by displaying their art works before the State Assembly. Consequently, Nanda held talks with a delegation of the Mancha led by its chief advisor Jyotiranjan Mohapatra, vice-presidents Anil Kumar Mohapatra, Ajit Kumar Muni and Prabin Kumar Behera, secretary Jyoti Prakash Sahoo and co-secretary Rojalin Rout. Nanda assured them that steps are being taken to consider the demands.
“The process of allocating model schools is on, after which the concerned departmental authorities will take steps regarding recruitment of permanent art teachers,” Nanda said. He further said that though stipend and other related demands are not under the aegis of his department, he would discuss these issues with the concerned department.
However, the Mancha has declared to again hold a State-wide agitation in October if the Government does not take any steps to meet their demands by September-end.