Temporary govt staff protest in demand of job regularisation

Raipur: Thousands of temporary employees working in Chhattisgarh's govt offices staged a major protest at Tuta, Nava Raipur, on Sunday. They marched towards the Chief minister's residence, demanding regularisation, permanent employment, reinstatement of sacked employees, minimum wages for low-paid staff, conversion of part-time workers to full-time status, and an end to outsourcing, contract, service provider, and group-committee employment systems. However, the police stopped the march near the railway line.
Over 10,000 irregular employees from 52 unions participated in the demonstration, according to Gopal Prasad Sahu, the event's coordinator. The protesters warned that if the govt fails to address their demands promptly, they will be compelled to launch an indefinite agitation in July.
Sahu stated that when BJP was in opposition, several senior leaders and representatives visited their platform, listened to their grievances, and promised a swift resolution once the party formed the govt. The "Modi's Guarantee 2023" document for Chhattisgarh, under "Committed Good Governance," mentioned forming a committee including irregular employees to initiate a review process. However, the order for the committee's formation lacks any mention of temporary employees and excludes union representatives, contradicting the promise, he said.
Sahu alleged that the govt took no action on their behalf in the past year and a half. He further claimed that contrary to promises, layoffs are occurring, salaries are pending in several departments, contract-based wages are not being paid according to norms, minimum wages have not been increased in eight years, and labour honorarium is not being provided in many departments.
Representatives of the temporary employees' unions have consistently submitted applications outlining their demands, placing high hopes on the Sai govt. However, the govt's perceived neglect has left the irregular employees feeling aggrieved and indignant.