Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 9: The PHE employees including daily rated and consolidated/CP workers today held a strong protest demonstration followed by dharna outside the office of Chief Engineer at B C Road here today.
A large number of workers of the department under the banner of Water Works (PHE) Employees Association led by Shiv Kumar Sharma ( INTUC chief), assembled at PHE complex BC Road here today and resorted to protest demonstration. They raised slogans in support of their demands and also condemned the Government for its recent decision to throw out the daily rated workers engaged after 1994.
The agitating workers warned the Government to immediately withdraw the recently issued Government Circular No. 09-GAD dated March 3, 2013 regarding discontinuation of Daily Wagers who were engaged after 1994 and avoid any type of confrontation. They termed the decision of the Government as unfortunate as it was linked to the meals of many families.
While addressing large gathering Shiv Kumar appealed the Government to re-consider its decision. He said the workers have been rendering their services since long and throwing them at this juncture will be unfortunate and unjustified. He also advised the Government to look into the properties of the department. He said some of the motor/ pump rooms and chowkidar quarters are in bad shape and even leaking during rains. Many such structures need repair and adequate infrastructure.
The INTUC leader condemned the policy of engaging daily rated/CP workers in bulk whereas, payment of already engaged workers is pending from six to 24 months. He advised the Government to refrain from engaging workers in bulk. He asked the Government to redress the pending issues of the workers including enhancement of wages and withdraw the new circular. Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion include Vinod Kumar, Raman Kumar, Ajay Sharma, Joginder Pal, Madan Lal, Mangal Dass and Jyoti Parkash.
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