The contract workers of the three power corporations of Uttarakhand continued their protest on Monday by begging in the State capital. They said that the protracted Government apathy towards their condition and their demands has created a major crisis for the contractual workers who are now struggling to make their ends meet.
The contractual workers of Uttarakhand Power Corporation limited (UPCl), Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam limited (UJVNl) and Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand limited (PTCUl) have been protesting since October 29 in support of their demands under the banner of Uttarakhand Vidyut Samvida Karmchari Sangathan (UVSKS).
The protesters point out that during a meeting held in March this year in which MlA Subodh Uniyal had represented the Chief Minister, the State had assured that action would be taken on their demands in three months.
However, the government has failed to act on its assurance though more than seven months have passed. The contractual workers are employed in the power corporations through the Uttarakhand Purv Sainik Kalyan Nigam limited (UPNl).
They want to be employed directed by the corporations though the corporation officials State that this is beyond their authority.
They are also demanding 15 per cent hike in salary, enforcement of labour laws and provision of Rs 10 lakh compensation for the bereaved family in case of accidental death of a worker and a job for one dependent, official quarters etc.
The protesters complain that inspite of submitting their memorandums repeatedly, holding talks with the authorities and protesting for 36 days using various means, the authorities have remained apathetic to their situation.
On Monday, the protesting workers begged from locals at the Clock Tower in Dehradun to protest against the State Government. They said that Government apathy towards their situation had made it tough for them to make their ends meet.
It should be mentioned here that about 2,500 contractual employees of the three power corporations have been protesting across the State in support of their demands.