Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has clarified that there will be no further increase in the salary of Cooks-cum-helpers (Pachikas), currently at Rs 3,000. School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond has made this remark protests by the Nikhil Utkal Pachika Sangha, who have been demanding regularisation of their daily wage of Rs 462 and identity cards.

The Minister said that the BJP government had earlier increased the salary from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, which the minister considers sufficient. Gond urged the protesters to call off their agitation, saying it hinders government work. However, the association leader countered that they seek not just a salary hike but also dignity and respect.

The protesters have been on a dharna for the second day, with seven-point demands, includin

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