Has the Odisha Government Formed a High-Level Committee for Teachers' Demands?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Odisha Government has set up a high-level committee, led by Ashok Kumar Tripathy, to delve into the long-standing demands of educators. This decision was announced in the Odisha Assembly by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, highlighting ongoing issues faced by teachers in the state's educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- High-level committee established to address educators' demands.
- Led by Ashok Kumar Tripathy, a retired IAS officer.
- Report due to the government in six months.
- Teachers previously marked Teachers' Day as a 'Black Day'.
- Concerns raised about the effectiveness of multiple committees.
Bhubaneswar, Dec 3 (NationPress) The Odisha Government has established a high-level committee led by former IAS officer Ashok Kumar Tripathy to investigate the enduring demands of teachers, lecturers, and other staff members across various educational institutions under the School and Mass Education (S&ME) and Higher Education (HE) Departments.
This committee is tasked with delivering its findings to the state government within a span of six months.
During an announcement made in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi pointed out that the state hosts numerous types of government, aided, and unaided non-government educational institutions under both the School and Mass Education and Higher Education Departments.
He noted that the teachers, lecturers, and staff in these institutions have been voicing various demands to the government over time.
“Discussions regarding these demands have taken place at different times. Taking these matters into earnest consideration, the state government has resolved to create a high-level committee led by Shri Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Indian Administrative Service (Retired), to assess the requests from teachers, lecturers, and staff. The committee is expected to present its report to the state government within six months,” CM Majhi stated in the Assembly.
Earlier in September, thousands of teachers and staff from aided and unaided educational institutions marked Teachers’ Day as a “Black Day” to spotlight their long-standing demands.
In response, the president of the Odisha State Non-Government Lecturers and Employees Association, Biswaranjan Das, expressed dismay over the announcement of a new committee.
Das noted that a previous committee had already been established in December of the prior year to evaluate the teachers' demands. That committee has convened four meetings with stakeholders and has yet to deliver its findings to the government.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the recent announcement, he remarked that the formation of another committee while the previous one is still examining their issues seems like an attempt to mislead teachers and prolong the process.
Point of View
The ongoing issues faced by teachers in Odisha highlight a critical gap in addressing educational staff needs. The formation of a new committee, while perceived by some as a delay tactic, may also be a necessary step towards a comprehensive solution. The government's responsiveness to educators' demands will be pivotal in shaping the educational landscape in Odisha and beyond.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the high-level committee formed by the Odisha Government?
The committee aims to examine the long-standing demands of teachers, lecturers, and staff in educational institutions under the School and Mass Education and Higher Education Departments.
Who is leading the newly formed committee?
The committee is chaired by former IAS officer Ashok Kumar Tripathy.
When is the committee expected to submit its report?
The committee is expected to submit its report within six months.
Why did teachers observe Teachers' Day as a 'Black Day'?
Teachers observed Teachers' Day as a 'Black Day' to draw attention to their long-pending demands.
What concerns did the president of the Odisha State Non-Government Lecturers and Employees Association raise?
He expressed concern that the formation of a new committee while the previous one is still deliberating could mislead teachers and delay the resolution of their demands.
