Jal Sahiyas, the dedicated community water workers in East Singhbhum, have taken to the streets to protest the non-payment of their honorariums. Expressing their deep frustration, the Jal Sahiyas have demanded swift action to address their grievances and have warned that if their concerns are not resolved, they will escalate the protests to a statewide level.
Jal Sahiyas play a crucial role in ensuring the availability of clean water to communities in East Singhbhum. They are responsible for maintaining and monitoring water sources, conducting water quality tests, and promoting hygiene practices within their respective areas. However, despite their vital contributions, many Jal Sahiyas have been awaiting their honorariums for several months.
The protest, organized by the Jal Sahiya Association of East Singhbhum, saw a significant turnout of community workers, who voiced their dissatisfaction over the delayed payments. Holding placards and chanting slogans, the protestors expressed their financial hardships caused by the non-payment of their dues.
The district of East Singhbhum hosts around 2300 water bodies, all of which are managed by these Jal Sahiyas. Neetu Singh, the District President of Jharkhand State Jal Sahiya Sangh East Singhbhum, said: "We have been working tirelessly, ensuring clean water reaches every household in our communities. But our efforts seem undervalued and unacknowledged when we are not paid our honorariums on time. We are struggling to meet our basic needs, and it is disheartening."
The Jal Sahiyas have submitted multiple representations to the concerned authorities, highlighting their predicament and requesting immediate action. However, with no substantial progress in addressing their concerns, the community workers have decided to intensify their protest. They have announced their intention to escalate the demonstrations to a statewide level if their honorariums are not disbursed promptly.
The Jal Sahiya Association of East Singhbhum has urged the state government to intervene and resolve the issue urgently. They have emphasized the critical role Jal Sahiyas play in providing essential water services to communities and have stressed that the non-payment of honorariums not only affects their livelihoods but also undermines the efficiency and sustainability of the water supply system.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, local activists and civil society organizations have expressed solidarity with the Jal Sahiyas. They have called upon the state government to prioritize the payment of honorariums and ensure the financial security of these frontline workers who contribute significantly to the well-being of the communities they serve.
As the protest gains momentum, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by essential workers and the importance of recognizing their contributions. The Jal Sahiyas of East Singhbhum are determined to continue their fight for justice and remain hopeful that their demands will be met without further delay.
The protest was organized over the issue of non-payment of honorariums and incentive amounts for the last 50 months.
