PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal has condemned the State government for imposing Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) and provision of ‘no work, no pay’ rule on the agitating UPNL workers. He said that these workers are continuing to manage the health, technical and administration of the State for the last many years without security and proper salary.
He said that now when these employees are demanding a policy for safeguarding their rights, the government has decided to crush their agitation. It shows that the BJP government is trying to hide its insensitivity and incompetence in human resource management, he said. Godiyal added by imposing ESMA, the State government has tried to treat the UPNL workers as criminals. He said that the government is trying to evade responsibility for gross irregularities in the UPNL.
He said that by imposing ESMA in a State where there is a dearth of doctors, nurses, technical staff, drivers and field workers, the fear of the government is clearly visible. Godiyal said that instead of adopting a confrontationist attitude the government should focus on dialogue, solution and on the interests of the employees. He demanded that the government should immediately revoke the provisions of ESMA and convene a meeting with the representatives of the workers. Godiyal said that the process of appointment under UPNL should be completely reviewed and a transparent, permanent and honour based system.
He said that the Congress party stands firmly with the UPNL workers and will protest undemocratic action of the State government.
