Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 5: The decision of block grant teachers to observe Teachers’ Day as a ‘black day’ as part of their agitation against the government Saturday was widely condemned by the teachers’ fraternity across the state.
“This day holds immense significance for teachers across the country. All teachers should ensure that the occasion is observed with the utmost respect in their schools, in a manner befitting the great man in whose honour the day has been instituted,” said Pravat Sahu, headmaster of Kendumundi High School in Mayurbhanj district.
Block grant teachers from across the state had converged in the capital city to hold demonstrations demanding regularisation of their jobs and salary revision. They wore black bands on their forehead in a bid to mark Teachers’ Day as a ‘black day’.
The move to rope in students to participate in the protest at Lower PMG was also roundly criticised.
“Getting students to participate in the protest and asking them to observe Teachers’ Day as a ‘black day’ is highly disrespectful. The protesters should not have resorted to this. They have every right to hold demonstrations, but the timing and the manner in which they chose to protest is not at all proper,” said Sabitri Das, headmistress of Kapilas Girls’ High School.
Meanwhile, officials of the school and mass education department are mulling as to how to implement a recent High Court ruling that ordered for block grant schools to be forcibly reopened, by breaking open the locks if necessary.
“We have asked the school management committees to open the schools, but it would be difficult to resume classes as all the teachers are agitating here,” said an official of the department.
