Bhubaneswar, Dec 10: The state-wide agitation by the Nikhila Odisha Mid-day Meal Cooks’ Association at Lower PMG has been suspended temporarily following two days of demonstrations over a seven-point charter of demands. Association president Jogendra Swain said the decision came after a meeting with School and Mass Education Department Secretary-cum-Commissioner N. Tirumala.

The association has sought issuance of appointment letters to cooks, a monthly honorarium of ₹13,860, and a retirement benefit of ₹1 lakh.

Meanwhile, primary school teachers protesting at the Gandhi Marg for five consecutive days also withdrew their agitation on Wednesday. The decision followed discussions with Ekamra MLA Babu Singh and former Union Minister Bishweshwar Tudu, who assured them that the government was positive about addressing their demands.

Although a section of teachers initially agreed to call off the protest, disagreements soon erupted among the group after the leaders left the venue. The situation escalated into heated arguments and minor scuffles. As the demonstration did not have official permission and tensions continued to rise, police intervened and dispersed the gathering.

Later, key members of the teachers’ association met at a nearby hotel and announced that the protest would be suspended for seven days. They warned that if their demands are not met within this period, teachers across the state will proceed on mass leave.