Odisha ministers assure protesting teachers of upcoming decision

Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan met with protesting teachers in Bhubaneswar to address long-standing grievances. The ministers assured the demonstrators that the government is working toward a resolution and will take a decision shortly after examining a committee report consisting of 79 reports totaling approximately 800 pages.

The protest, organized by the Odisha School College Teachers’ and Employees Coordination Committee (OSCTECC), has entered its 21st day. Teachers from unaided schools and colleges are demanding grant-in-aid status, pension benefits, the filling of vacant posts, parity in service conditions, and an increase in the retirement age from 60 to 62. A specific priority is securing financial support for 194 high schools that have operated for decades but were excluded from previous orders.

While the ministers urged the protesters to withdraw their agitation and engage in formal discussions via a representative delegation, many teachers stated they require a written, concrete settlement rather than verbal assurances before ending their sit-in.