Teachers in Odisha were left disappointed after the Mukhyamantri Shiksha Puraskar ceremony for 2024 and 2025 was cancelled at the last moment.
The awards, scheduled for Teachers’ Day, had finalized venue and timing, with invitations already sent to honorees.
A letter dated September 3 from the Panchasakha Shiksha Setu CEO informed district collectors that the programme was cancelled due to an urgent engagement of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The letter assured that the ceremony would be rescheduled, with details to be communicated later.
The decision comes amid growing unrest, as thousands of teachers, lecturers, and education employees continue their indefinite protest in Bhubaneswar. According to OSCTECC convener Ranjan Kumar Dash, nearly 20,000 teachers are expected to gather in the capital on Teachers’ Day, pressing demands for grant‑in‑aid, pension, recruitment, and governmentisation.
Dash warned that with half‑yearly examinations approaching, disruptions to academic activities would be the government’s responsibility.
Meanwhile, the School and Mass Education Department has directed schools statewide to observe Teachers’ Day by felicitating retired teachers for their service, ensuring local celebrations continue despite the cancellation of the state‑level awards.
