Bhubaneswar, November 16:The Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Teachers’ Association has announced a strike starting December 8 if the Odisha government fails to meet their demands. Association Secretary Subhasis Das announced during a general body meeting held on Sunday at the Railway Auditorium in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the gathering, Subasis Das outlined 15 key demands that the Association has presented to the state government. Among the top priorities is the request for the official government recognition of Adarsha Vidyalaya teachers. Additionally, the Association is demanding that these teachers be granted uniform cadre recognition by the state government.
One of the major concerns raised by the teachers is the demand for equitable compensation, with a call for "equal work, equal pay." Specifically, the Association is asking that teachers such as PGTs, music, and computer teachers receive a grade pay of ₹4600, similar to other staff at Odisha Vidyalayas (OV).
The demands also include:
In addition to these demands, Subasis Das announced that, as a form of protest, Adarsha Vidyalaya teachers will wear black badges starting November 24, for a period of one week. Following this, they will stage demonstrations for another week.
The final protest will take place on December 8 at Lower PMG, in front of the Odisha Assembly, where teachers will gather to voice their 15-point demands.
Adarsha Vidyalayas, established in Odisha as model schools, are currently operational in 314 blocks across Odisha. These schools employ around 4,700 highly qualified teachers who educate thousands of students. In addition, nearly 10,000 non-teaching staff members support the operations of these schools. Despite their crucial role in shaping the future of students, the teachers have expressed frustration over the lack of official government recognition, prompting their call for urgent action by the state government.
