Padayatra reaches Ekamra Kshetra
BHUBANESWAR — Over 3,000 non‑government college lecturers and staff appointed between 2008 and 2018 concluded a historic padayatra from Puri to Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, demanding immediate inclusion under the state grant‑in‑aid system and threatening an indefinite fast if their demand is not met.
The protest began on September 22 at Saradhabali in Puri after participants offered floral tributes and sought the agyamala (permission garland) of Lord Jagannath, and proceeded along the approximately 60‑kilometre route to the Chief Minister’s residence in the capital's Ekamra Kshetra.
Association’s demands and grievances
The association representing the teachers said it has pursued implementation of the 2008–2018 grant‑in‑aid policy for years. State Association President Biswaranjan Das said despite multiple meetings with officials and a high‑level committee set up after the Chief Minister’s intervention during a previous protest, the association’s demands remain unresolved.
“During our fast‑unto‑death during the last monsoon assembly session, the Chief Minister directly intervened and promised to fulfil our demands swiftly. Subsequently, a high‑level committee was set up to review the demands. However, it is deeply disappointing that the government continues to ignore us under the pretext of committee evaluations, even after the report has been submitted,”
Das warned that if the Chief Minister continues to adopt stall tactics, the association will move to an amaran anashan (indefinite fast). The group urged the Chief Minister to issue a formal order granting aid to staff appointed in the 2008–2018 period and said the government would be held responsible for any unrest arising from mass agitation.
Scale, symbolism and likely city impact
The padayatra’s scale and its conclusion at the Chief Minister’s residence underlined the protesters’ intent to press their case at the highest level of the state administration. The march combined religious symbolism at Puri with a political appeal in Bhubaneswar — a strategy often used by community groups here to draw attention to long‑running administrative issues.
- Participants: Over 3,000 non‑government college lecturers and staff
- Route: Saradhabali, Puri to Chief Minister’s residence, Ekamra Kshetra, Bhubaneswar (nearly 60 km)
- Demand: Immediate inclusion under grant‑in‑aid for appointees from 2008–2018
- Threatened action: Indefinite fast (amaran anashan) if government does not act
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Start date | September 22 |
| Origin | Saradhabali, Puri |
| Destination | Chief Minister's residence, Ekamra Kshetra, Bhubaneswar |
| Core demand | Grant‑in‑aid for staff appointed between 2008–2018 |
What Bhubaneswar residents should note
City residents may expect follow‑up demonstrations or intensified agitation if the association proceeds with its threat of an indefinite fast. Those travelling to Ekamra Kshetra or nearby areas should anticipate possible processions or gatherings and plan for traffic slowdowns during peak protest activities. Authorities are likely to coordinate crowd management and traffic control around the Chief Minister’s residence.
The association’s appeal underscores continuing administrative friction over funding and regularisation of staff appointed by college managements, an issue that affects education delivery and employee livelihoods across the state. The protesters said repeated administrative delays and the absence of a clear government decision prompted the padayatra.
With the demand formally presented at the seat of state government, the next steps will depend on administrative response and any further negotiations between the association and officials. The protesters have placed a clear ultimatum; the state’s reaction in the coming days will determine whether the agitation escalates.
