Assam Legislative Assembly Winter Session: 8 Organizations Protest on First Day

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The first day of the Winter Session of Assam Legislative Assembly saw massive agitation both inside and outside and outside the house. Several associations staged protests upholding various demands at Dispur Last Gate, here in the city, on Thursday.

The Pratibandhi Suraksha Sangstha, Assam (PSSA)’s protest demonstration was in insistence of 21 demands. The Sangstha claimed that there are 4419 vacant PwD (Persons with Disabilities) posts in various government departments. Out of these, appointments have been made for only 863 posts. The Sangstha demanded that the vacant posts be filled up through a special drive without delay. The other demands included a Directorial for the PwD along with a PwD Development council, increase of the Din Dayal pension under the Social Welfare department from Rs 1000 per month to Rs 3000 per month, etc.

The All Assam Primary and Upper Primary School Midday Meal Workers’ Union demanded that the workers position is regularize and made permanent. They also insisted that the remuneration provided 10 months a year is provided for 12 months.

The Non-Bodo Suraksha Samiti, Assam staged protest with 10 demands. The Samiti claimed that the Central Government wishes to form a Union Territory Council (UTC) in the BTAD (Bodoland Territorial Area Districts). As such, they demanded that before taking the decision, the government should sit for a round-table conference with the non-Bodo people of the BTAD area and amicably, withdraw the decision. Other demands included revision of the 2003 BTC Accord, ruling out the non-Bodo villages (more than 50 per cent) from BTAD, etc.

The All Assam PHE Un-Salaried Employees’ Association had nine demands, which included post regularization of temporary employees while securing salary as such, appointment in any government sector to a member of the families who donated land for PHE pipe connection, pension provision for employees, etc.

The Rabha Development Council Demand Committee (RDCDC) demanded for a Rabha Development Council for the Rabha people residing outside the Rabha Autonomous Council. Their other demand was for inclusion in the Sixth Schedule before the end of the Winter Session.

The left-Democratic Manch, Assam sat for dharna with three demands, condemning the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (CAB) as unconstitutional, they raged that the Bill will render NRC meaningless and violate the Assam Accord. As such, CAB should be scraped.

The All Assam Chutia Students’ Union also protested against CAB and demanded the Bill to be scraped. They also insisted on ST status for the community as soon as possible.

The final association engaged in the protest, the Voters Party International (VPI) shared the same sentiments about CAB and demanded that the Bill is removed as it will demolish the culture, tradition, and language of the State.

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