STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The PHE (Public Health Engineering) Asthayi Shramik Karmachari Parishad, Assam has started a statewide agitation demanding the Government to start departmentally appointing the temporary workers (volunteers) who are engaged in various water supply schemes.
The temporary workers staged protests in three areas of the city on Monday – Panbazar, Chachal, and Sarusajai. 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.
Meanwhile, the PHE department has assured the workers that it will hold departmental discussions to address their issues, said Goswami. Thus, the agitation in the city has been called off. However, demonstrations in other parts of the State will continue.