Lectures Wear Black Badges on Teachers’ Day at Sinapali College: Black Day observed demanding Grant-in-Aid for 2008–18 appointees

Sinapali, Sept 5: While the nation observed Teachers’ Day with reverence and celebration, teachers and employees of Sinapali College marked the occasion as a ‘Black Day’ by wearing black badges to draw the government’s attention to their long-pending demands. The protest was organised in support of lecturers and employees appointed between 2008 and 2018 in private aided and unaided colleges, who are demanding inclusion under a new Grant-in-Aid policy and regular government financial assistance. The Odisha State Non-Government Lecturer & Employees Association, Odisha, Bhubaneswar (OSNLEA) has been raising the issue and demanding a new Grant-in-Aid policy for the employees appointed during the 2008–18 period. According to the association, several lecturers and employees appointed during this period have been serving in colleges for nearly 18 years without receiving government salaries. Although assurances have reportedly been given by the government at different times, the association alleged that there has been an inordinate delay in fulfilling the demand. Against this backdrop, teachers and employees observed September 5 as a Black Day, wearing black badges as a mark of protest and urging the government to take immediate steps towards resolving their long-standing grievances. The association stated that implementation of the demand would provide financial security to more than 7,000 lecturers and employees, along with their families. It appealed to the government to move beyond assurances and ensure their legitimate and rightful entitlements. The association further demanded that a new Grant-in-Aid policy for lecturers and employees appointed during 2008–18 be formulated and implemented at the earliest. The silent protest, held on a day dedicated to honouring teachers, reflected the frustration and prolonged wait of the affected lecturers and employees, who continue to seek government recognition and financial security for their services.