Hundreds of employees under the banner of the Haryana State Electricity Board Workers' Union held a demonstration in Ambala Cantonment on Thursday, protesting against long-pending demands. The workers gathered at Indira Park, marched through the streets, and reached Shastri Colony to gherao the residence of Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij, intending to submit a memorandum.
Minister Absent, Employees Stage Dharna
As Minister Anil Vij was out of town, the employees staged a dharna and waited outside the colony, refusing to hand over the memorandum to officials. They raised slogans in support of their demands, insisting on submitting the document directly to the minister. Ambala Circle secretary Satbir Deshwal stated that the union has a 14-point demand charter, including increased wages for contractual employees, risk allowance, and abolition of the online transfer policy.
Demands and Protest Objectives
The employees emphasized that the protest aimed to meet the energy minister and apprise him of their problems. They warned that if their demands are not met, they would intensify the agitation. The demonstration drew participants from across the state, highlighting widespread discontent over working conditions and compensation.
Minister Returns, Accepts Memorandum
Late in the evening, Vij reached Ambala Cantonment and accepted the memorandum. He assured the employees that a meeting would soon be arranged with senior officials in Chandigarh to discuss the issues. Vij explained that he had been out of town due to family matters, as his brother is admitted at PGI Chandigarh. He stated that the demands would be discussed and that he had already issued directions to prepare a file regarding the allowances.
