Special School Staff in Odisha Demand Equal Treatment and Retirement Benefits
Teachers and non-teaching staff from independent special schools recognized by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) have made an urgent appeal to the Odisha state government. They are seeking official recognition and retirement-related financial benefits equivalent to those provided to fully-aided schools under the School and Mass Education Department.
Memorandum to Chief Minister Highlights Longstanding Demands
In a significant development, the staff submitted a detailed memorandum to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, outlining their key demands. The primary request involves re-amending resolution No. 4208/SSEPD dated June 6, 2022 to address their concerns about unequal treatment.
The employees have specifically demanded the formulation of comprehensive rules covering several critical areas:
- Recruitment and service condition rules
- Leave rules for special school staff
- Cadre and retirement benefit rules
- Immediate payment of pending retirement benefits and pensions
- Release of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) benefits pending for seven years
Widespread Impact Across Odisha's Special Education Sector
According to staff representatives, approximately 104 old and new special schools across Odisha operate under the SSEPD department with government financial assistance. These institutions employ hundreds of dedicated teachers and caregivers who have been serving children with disabilities for more than three decades.
Despite their long-term commitment and service to special needs education, these employees continue to face discrimination in benefits. Kishore Chandra Sahu, principal of a special school in Bargarh, highlighted the stark contrast: "While employees of four government-aided schools for the deaf and visually-impaired under the school and mass education department—two each in Bhubaneswar and Burla—receive full government benefits, the staff of SSEPD-recognized schools continue to face discrimination."
Retired Employees Face Financial Hardship Without Pensions
The prolonged delay in addressing these demands has created significant distress among retired employees. Many former staff members are struggling financially without access to pensions or gratuity, despite dedicating their entire careers to serving differently-abled children.
The staff has emphasized that the current situation violates their "Right to Life" and dignity after retirement. They have urgently requested the Chief Minister to direct the SSEPD department to frame necessary service and retirement rules and provide social security benefits at the earliest opportunity.
Principal Sahu added, "We appeal to the chief minister to ensure equal treatment and justice by granting us government recognition and financial security." The resolution of this issue would bring much-needed relief to hundreds of educators who have devoted their lives to special education in Odisha.
