Dharmendra requests Odisha govt to meet teachers’ demands

Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday requested the Odisha government to fulfil the demands of teachers, who are on agitation at PMG square here since August 16.

“I request the State Government to discuss and solve the issue with the teachers and allocate the required funds. Since the fate of over 30 lakh students studying in various schools and colleges is involved, this should not be taken lightly,” said Pradhan.

He met with members of School & College Teachers, Employees United Forum & Odisha United Primary Teachers Federation at Bhubaneswar.

Demanding abolition of block grant system, better pay, periodic increment, promotion & pension, they have been on a strike since August 16.

“Teachers are the building blocks of a society. I am pained to see thousands of teachers braving incessant rain protesting for the fulfilment of their demands on Teachers Day. I expressed my solidarity with the agitating teachers and demand that their dignity should be respected,” said the Minister.