Aspiring teachers clash with police, several injured

Several people were injured today, including a police officer, when aspiring teachers clashed with the security forces after a demonstration turned violent here.
Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the job seekers agitating under the banner of Sikshya Sahayak Ashayi Sangha, Odisha, near the State Assembly.
The incident took place when about 25,000 unemployed B Ed passouts and certificate in teaching (CT) holders were staging a dharna at the Lower PMG Square, demanding employment as Sikshya Sahayaks (Assistant Teachers).
The police, however, resorted to lathicharge when the agitators allegedly pelted stones at the police when a delegation of the association had gone to meet the School and Mass Education (S&ME) minister for a discussion.

The gathering turned violent when their leaders were called for a discussion. They pelted stones on us in which the Capital Police Station IIC was injured along with a few of our personnel," DCP Satyabrata Vhoi said.
Bhoi said the police first dispersed the agitators and the situation is presently under control.

School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra said there is a delay in engagement of the Sikshya Sahayaks as the matter relating to their appointment is sub-judice in Orissa High Court. The demands of the association will be considered after they make fresh application, the minister said.

The aspiring teachers are agitating for long demanding employment as Sikshya Sahayaks as per a notification of the S&ME department dated December 26, 2016.
According to the notification, the Sikshya Sahayaks (SS) will be engaged in each district by the respective Zilla Parishad by a Selection Committee to be headed by the Collector-cum-Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad as Chairman and District Education Officer, all the Block Education Officers of the District, District Project Coordinator (SSA), District Employment officer and the District Welfare Officer as members.
Though the aspirants are waiting for a long time, the notification in this regard is yet to be issued.