Teachers protest over ‘lack’ of benefits

Thousands of primary school teachers in the city of Bhubaneswar walked the streets on Tuesday to demand their eight-point charter of demands, including the cancellation of their deputation and abolition of the excadre provision, from March 1 of this year. They are also demanding their salary be disbursed through the treasury, the implementation of the old pension scheme, and the provision of adequate benefits and facilities like toilets and drinking water. The teachers were marching towards the assembly when the police blocked their way, leading to a minor clash.