Bhubaneswar, Aug. 26: Teachers of eight state universities today started their protest by wearing black badges and criticising the government indifference in implementing the UGC pay revision rules in the state.

At least 2,000 teachers from Utkal University, Sambalpur University, Ravenshaw University, Berhampur University, BPUT, Sanskrit University, North Odisha University and Fakir Mohan University under the banner of Federation of Odisha University Teachers' Association wore black badges, alleging that despite several representations to the chancellor, their demands have drawn only false assurances.

The teachers will continue to sport the badges till August 31, following which they have decided to sit on dharna from September 1 to 4. This will be followed by a candlelight procession from Ram Mandir to PMG Square on September 8 and complete cease work from September 11.

"The cease work will continue till our demands are fulfilled," said Utkal University Teachers' Association president S.K. Tripathy. "The agitation shall continue till the resolution from the government is received by the universities on due consideration of all the demands," he said.

The teachers have also demanded implantation of career advancement scheme, pay fixation and increments according to the UGC guidelines, besides the re-designation of teachers as assistant professor and associate professor in place of lecturer and reader, respectively.

The teachers have been demanding enhancement of the retirement age up to 65 years. "While the superannuating age of university teachers in all neighbouring states, state medical colleges, Central University in Koraput, IIT Bhubaneswar have been enhanced, it has not been done for the state universities," said Tripathy.

In another development, the teachers have decided to appeal to the vice-chancellors not to conduct any interviews for the post of teachers till their demands are fulfilled.

"It must be understood that teachers are a dignified community, and we have been forced to take a decision like this after all other means failed," Tripathy said.

"We also demand the filling up of the vacant posts in all universities," said OUAT Teachers' Association president B. Parasar.