Addressing an application by a teacher seeking leave to work as a labourer due to non-payment of salary for the last three months, the Odisha Government promptly cleared his dues after the application went viral in the media.
Prabhudatta Sahoo, an Assistant Teacher (ex-cadre) at Bandhanbahal Primary School in the Puintala block of Bolangir district, had submitted an application to his Headmaster seeking leave to work as a labourer for a day. Sahoo mentioned that his financial condition had deteriorated as he had not been paid his salary for the past three months. He sought leave for February 20, which was sanctioned by the Headmaster.
In response to the viral application, the School & Mass Education Department released the pending salaries of 72 teachers, including Sahoo, informed Puintala BEO Loknath Suna today. District Education Officer Pradeep Nag clarified that Sahoo’s salary had been pending for two months due to technical issues in the digiGOV website, which processes their salaries.
The prompt action by the Odisha Government highlights the financial struggles faced by teachers and the importance of timely salary payments to ensure their well-being and dedication to their profession.