The fast unto death of Malaria Protection Workers (MPW) to reinstate their contract entered fourth day on Thursday. Three Malaria Protection Workers are sitting on a fast unto death at protest site near parade ground. On Thursday the condition of Devanand one of the fasting worker deteriorated forcing the administration to intervene as it forcibly lifted and admitted him in the hospital. The police personnel accompanying the team of administration had a minor skirmish with other workers when they protested against the forceful lifting.
The State president of MPW association, Sudama Joshi said that 212 MPW were employed in the state Ayurveda service in the year 2008 on contract under NRHM. These workers were appointed on a monthly stipend of Rs4000 and later the stipend of these workers was increased to Rs7000 per month from 14 September 2014. He said that the services of these workers were abruptly terminated on September 30 last year when the Union Government stopped funding their salaries.
Joshi said that the state health minister had asked them to continue their services and on his assurance the MPW worked for more than seven months without pay. He said that the workers now have no option but to intensify their stir.