Teachers hold rally to press charter of demands

Despite restrictions imposed by the Odisha government to hold a rally here, thousands of teachers today staged a demonstration demanding fulfilment of their three-point charter of demands.
The agitating teachers under the banner of Primary Teachers Association covered under new pension scheme (contributory pension scheme) and Odisha Siksha Sahayak Sangha staged a protest at MG Marg demanding fulfilment of their demands including appointment of junior teachers with a Grade Pay of Rs 2,800.
The state government had yesterday imposed restriction on teachers and said that not more than one teacher of a school are entitled to take leave on a single day.

The government had threatened that action would be taken if any teacher remains off-duty without taking prior permission.
Meanwhile, a delegation of agitating teachers met school and mass education minister Badri Narayan Patra. The minister had called upon teachers to call off their strike and give some time to government to examine their demands.
Our meeting with the school and mass education minister was successful. We discussed with him over our three point charter of demands. The minister urged us to call off the agitation assuring to address the matter within 15 days," said Rajesh Mohanty, President of the teachers body, after meeting the minister.

A high powered committee will meet on November 17 over teachers issues and will submit its report to the Chief Minister to take a final call, said the School and Mass Education Minister.