STAFF
REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The PHE (Public Health Engineering) Asthyayi Shramik Karmachari Parishad, Assam staged a protest at Sarusajai here on Monday demanding the Government to start departmentally appointing the temporary workers (volunteers) who are engaged in various water supply schemes.
Talking to The Sentinel, general secretary of the Union, Utpal Goswami said that the workers will continue their agitation until the government addresses their issues.
"Around 1,500 workers have joined our agitation today. We were protesting since 8 am. The police detained us in the afternoon and took us to 10th APBn, Kahilipara. We were released after some time," said Goswami.
Along with appointments, the outraged workers demanded appointment letters and release of their arrears immediately.
They also underlined that they should not be considered as 'volunteers' but should be designated as pump operators or work charged employees. On the other hand, for the workers who have extended their age limit should be given preference for appointment, the Parishad demanded. The protesters also highlighted that all the Grade IV jobs in the PHE should be appointed from the Parishad.
"For the last 10 to 12 years, the workers have been working without salaries. Despite their numerous appeals, the Governmenthas not given them any response. In the 2013-14 financial year, the PHE department formed certain committees to implement different schemes. An amount of Rs 5,000 was being deposited monthly by the PHE department in those committees account for the daily wage of the workers. However, the amount was only deposited for six months. Till date no initiative has been taken from the department to restart the process," said Parishad's general secretary Utpal Goswami.
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