Bhubaneswar, Dec. 9: Teachers from at least 10 different associations have hit the streets during the past two weeks demanding regularisation of jobs and other benefits, affecting nearly five lakh students in the state.

The different groups of striking teachers have threatened to stop taking classes if their demands are not heard.

Schools, especially in rural areas, have been hit the hardest with teachers from rural areas and towns reaching the capital to protest against the government's apathy.

At many schools, the shortage of teachers has forced the administration to assign three to four classes to a single teacher. "Although students are reaching the school, no classes are being held as the subject teachers are absent. Students are leaving for home after midday meals," said Surama Jena, a schoolteacher taking part in the protest under the banner of All Odisha Secondary School Teachers' Association.

"Every one, including teachers of elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, is on strike for their rights. This proves the state government's education policy is not inclusive. They have ignored the needs of teachers and education is bound to suffer as a result," said Duryodhan Praida, Odisha Association of Teachers' Association.

When 40,000 block grant teachers from across the state went on strike demanding regular pay and abolition of block grant system in August, mass education minister Debi Prasad Mishra warned them of severe action.

"We are yet to hear from the department," said Suryaprasad Reddy, a high school teacher protesting near the secretariat.