Panchayat Workers Demand Resolution of Long-Standing Issues

DECCAN FREEDOM NEWS

DECEMBER 25, 2024

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) District General Secretary, Boge Upender, has called for a united effort to make the token strike on December 27-28 a success. Addressing a press meet in Rebbena Mandal, he highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Gram Panchayat workers, including delayed salaries, lack of regularization, and insufficient job security. He emphasized the need for the state government to prioritize these issues and take immediate action.

Boge Upender criticized the state government for its inaction, despite repeated appeals to address the workers’ grievances. He specifically pointed to the implementation of GO No. 51 in 2018, which introduced the Multi-Purpose Worker (MPW) system. This system has overburdened workers by requiring them to take on multiple responsibilities, often leading to stress and fatal accidents. Families of deceased workers have been left without compensation, compounding their difficulties. He urged the government to amend GO No. 51 and restore the previous job categories to ensure fair working conditions.

Another pressing issue raised was the uneven salary distribution among Panchayat workers. Many additional workers hired over the years have not been registered online, resulting in them receiving lower wages. Upender demanded that the government ensure fair treatment by registering all workers and allocating sufficient funds for salaries through a dedicated budget and green channel. He also called for job security measures, including retirement benefits of ₹5 lakh, insurance, ESI, and PF facilities.

The union’s demands include regularization of all Panchayat workers, categorization of salaries under GO No. 60, and the provision of housing plots under the Indiramma housing scheme. Additionally, it urged the government to offer employment to family members of workers who have died or are unable to continue their duties due to health reasons.

The press meet concluded with calls for solidarity from GP JAC leaders Ramesh, Venkatesh, Devaji, Praveen, Sunil, and Shekhar. They expressed their determination to support the strike and press for their rightful demands. Upender urged all Panchayat workers to participate actively in the token strike and make it a resounding success, emphasizing that collective action is the only way to achieve justice.