Odisha Govt Employees Launch Indefinite Mass Leave Demanding Higher Grade Pay

Bhubaneswar: Public services in Odisha are expected to face significant disruptions as around 50,000 employees have embarked on an indefinite mass leave starting today. This move comes as a protest organized by the Odisha Ministerial Officers’ Association (OMOA), demanding an increase in grade pay from Rs 1900 to Rs 4200.

The state-wide strike has caused the closure of government offices in many districts, affecting their normal functioning. The OMOA has been advocating for a hike in grade pay to Rs 4200 in line with Level 9 under the Odisha Revised Scales of Pay (ORSP) Rules, 2017.

After presenting their demand to the government in April, the association’s members resorted to symbolic protests by wearing black badges. Failing to achieve a positive outcome, they proceeded to announce a mass leave starting June 1 until their demand is met.

The OMOA representatives have stated that they will continue their non-cooperation with the government and sustain peaceful protests until their demands are addressed. Moreover, they have threatened to escalate the strike in the future to exert further pressure on the government, including potential street protests in Bhubaneswar.