PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Members of the Karmchari Adhikari Sanyukt Morcha stated that they will continue their strike at Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan (UJS) headquarters until their demands are met. Notably, the protest entered its 11th day on Thursday, with employees from various branches in the Dehradun district participating. The Morcha, comprising Jal Sansthan employees, has been demanding the UJS department be recognised as a government body. Additionally, they oppose the authorities’ decision to transfer revenue collection responsibilities to Peyjal Nigam.
They emphasised that Jal Sansthan is responsible for maintenance and revenue collection, while Peyjal Nigam handles construction. However, the current situation has changed, with Peyjal Nigam now tasked with revenue collection. This shift has negatively impacted Jal Sansthan employees, who are struggling to manage salaries that are dependent on revenue collection.
During a meeting at the protest site, the co-convener of the Morcha, Vimal Bhandari said that this is just the first phase of their movement. “It will gain further momentum in the coming days if the government remains indifferent towards our legitimate demands,” he warned.
In his address, the Morcha’s chief coordinator Nandlal Joshi said that many from remote mountainous UJS branches are expressing their solidarity with them and requesting time for sit-ins. “Due to the rainy season, employees from distant areas are not currently being invited to participate in the strike, but will be called upon if necessary,” he said, adding that the employees are prepared for a do-or-die movement this time.
