Primary school teachers protest demanding service recognition

Bhubaneswar: The ongoing protest by the primary school teachers under the banner of Prathamik Sikhyak Mahasangha at Lower PMG here, demanding recognition of their initial contractual service period, entered its 59th day on Friday. They have been staging demonstrations since April 8.Led by convenor Ramlal Patel, the teachers alleged that the first six years they spent working on contract since 2001 have been excluded from the service benefits, including annual increments, grade pay and promotion eligibility. They argued that despite discharging the same responsibilities as regular teachers, they were paid meagre salaries and denied long-term financial security.“The govt regularised our services later, but those six years have not been counted towards our tenure. It has affected our career progression and financial stability,” Patel said.Many teachers said the exclusion of contractual years led to delayed promotions and reduced lifetime earnings. Some recounted struggling to manage household expenses, loans and medical costs during the early years of their service. They also demanded a hike in grade pay.The mahasangha also referred to its earlier agitation held between Dec 5 and 9 last year, when officials reportedly assured them that their demands would be addressed. “But nothing concrete has been announced so far,” Patel said.They have also sought a formal notification to ensure the changes are implemented.The teachers said they would continue their peaceful protest until their demands are met.