‘Jalrakshaks’ allegedly unpaid for 3 months: CITU raises voice for action
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source Internet
Shimla, Feb 17,
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Theog unit has raised serious concerns over the alleged exploitation of 53 Jalrakshaks, who have been working without salaries for the past three months. In a press conference, Sanjeev Thakur, General Secretary of CITU Theog unit and Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM] Theog unit, accused the Panchayati Raj and Jal Shakti Vibhag of neglecting the welfare of these workers.
“These Jalrakshaks are diligently supplying water across various schemes, yet the government has failed to acknowledge their services by withholding their salaries for three months,” Thakur stated. He emphasized that the workers are unable to celebrate the upcoming Shivratri festival on February 26 due to financial constraints.
Thakur highlighted that the Jalrakshaks are compelled to walk several miles daily and work beyond the standard eight-hour shift, in violation of labor laws. He urged the government to address their demands promptly, warning that failure to do so would result in protests at the subdivision level.
The Jalrakshaks in the state are currently receiving a meager monthly lump sum of ₹5,300, which Thakur insists needs to be increased to reflect the rising cost of living.
Sharing his ordeal, Babloo Thakur, a Jalrakshak managing three water lifting schemes, revealed that he walks approximately 15 kilometers daily to operate water pumps. “We are being victimized and have now sought support from CITU,” he lamented.
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