Bhubaneswar, May 2 -- The protest by Assistant Programme Officers (APOs) across 314 blocks escalated, with the demonstrators now wearing sadhu attire as their strike enters its 13th day on Saturday in Bhubaneswar. The APOs, who are currently engaged under the MGNREGA framework, have been voicing their demand for permanent appointments and improved service conditions.

For nearly two weeks, the APOs have brought their work to a standstill, taking to the streets to press for their rights. On Saturday, they chose to don the attire of sadhus as a symbolic protest to garner attention for their cause.

"We are prepared to continue in this attire until the government listens to our demands. This is a mark of our commitment to this fight for just...