Bhubaneswar, Odisha : A massive protest by teachers and school employees has intensified in Odisha’s capital, with thousands of protesters continuing their agitation at Gandhi Marg, Bhubaneswar, over a series of long-pending demands.

The agitation, being held under the banner of the Odisha School-College Teachers and Employees Coordination Committee, entered its sixth day as protesters remained firm on their demand for concrete action from the state government.

The teachers began their agitation on August 16, observing the day as ‘Demand Day’. Since then, protesters have continued their demonstrations despite challenging weather conditions. While teachers and employees have been holding protests on the streets during the day amid scorching heat, their sit-in has continued through the night, even as rain lashed the city.

Teachers Demand Action on Pending Issues

The protesters say several representations have been submitted to the government over the years, but many of their demands are yet to receive a concrete resolution.

One of the key demands is the release of grants to all eligible schools, along with the government takeover of aided schools and colleges.

The protesters are also seeking the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme, pension and other retirement benefits for retired employees, and standardisation of service conditions.

Another major demand concerns contractual teachers appointed between 2004 and 2013. The protesters are seeking six notional increments along with seniority benefits for eligible teachers.

They have also raised the issue of grade-pay discrepancies and demanded immediate recruitment against vacant posts in schools and colleges.

Retired Employees Raise Pension Concerns

The protesters have highlighted the difficulties being faced by several retired employees who, according to them, are yet to receive adequate pension and retirement benefits.

They argue that the prolonged delay in resolving these issues has created financial hardship for retired employees and their families.

Women Teachers Question ‘Nari Samman’ Claims

Women teachers and employees have also been actively participating in the agitation.

Some women protesters questioned the government’s claims of ‘Nari Samman’, pointing out that women employees are being compelled to spend both days and nights on the streets while fighting for their long-pending rights and demands.

Their participation has added another dimension to the ongoing protest, with the protesters seeking a response from the government on their concerns.

‘Will Not Leave the Streets’

The protesters have made it clear that they are not willing to call off the agitation without concrete assurances and action from the government.

“We will not leave the streets until the government accepts our demands,” the protesters said.

Despite the scorching heat during the day and rainfall at night, the teachers and employees have continued their sit-in at Gandhi Marg.

The agitation is now drawing attention to the long-standing issues concerning teachers, school employees and retired staff across the state.

Government Response Awaited

The major question now is whether the Odisha government will initiate discussions with the protesting teachers and employees and take steps to address their demands.

With the agitation continuing into its sixth day, the protesters have indicated that the movement will continue until they receive what they describe as adequate and concrete action.

For now, Gandhi Marg remains the centre of the teachers’ agitation in Bhubaneswar, with thousands of teachers and employees standing firm over their demands. The coming days will determine whether the government’s intervention can bring an end to the protest or whether the agitation could expand further.