Aggrieved peons working in various panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) on Monday gheraoed the residence of Panchayati Raj Minister Arun Sahoo here to press their two-point charter of demands.
Members of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Employees’ Association have been demanding regularisation of jobs and salary hike.
A total of 6,204 peons are working in various PRIs in the State.
The protestors said the Chief Minister had announced to give `1,500 incentive to PRI peons in July last year. Though funds have been released for the purpose, but it was yet to be disbursed to them on the plea that no provisions have been made in the new Panchayati Raj law in this regard. “We had a very fruitful discussion with the Minister today. The Minister assured us to sort out our problems shortly,” said association secretary Kanishka Bodhisatwa, adding that the association called off the stir.
“Discussions are on and their demands are under active consideration of the Government. I have invited the employees for another round of discussion and assured them of all possible help” said Minister Sahoo.