Punjab Drug De-addiction Employees to Stage State-Wide Strike on March 5
The Govt Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Employees Union Punjab has declared a state-wide strike scheduled for March 5, in a strong protest against what they term as the "continued neglect" of their legitimate demands by the state government. This industrial action is set to unfold under the banner of the government's own anti-drug initiative, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, highlighting a deep-seated conflict within the campaign's framework.
Frontline Workers Forced into Agitation
Parminder Singh, the state president of the union, expressed profound disappointment, stating that it is unfortunate that employees who are at the forefront of the mission to make Punjab drug-free are now compelled to launch an agitation to secure their own rights. He alleged a stark contradiction in the government's stance: while publicly committing to eradicating drugs, it persistently ignores the demands of the very employees who form the backbone of this critical campaign.
Failed Negotiations and Government Delays
According to Parminder, the union has engaged in several meetings with government officials over time, but all discussions have remained inconclusive. He added that the authorities have consistently adopted a delaying approach whenever concerns were raised, despite the union's long-standing efforts to highlight their issues. This pattern of unproductive dialogue has fueled the decision to escalate protests.
Parminder further claimed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann allocated time for meetings on five separate occasions but ultimately did not hold a single session with union representatives. In the absence of any meaningful hearing or resolution, the union resolved to intensify its protest efforts to draw attention to their plight.
Strike Details and Public Awareness Campaign
The strike is planned to take place in Chandigarh on March 5, where union members aim to inform the public about the exploitation faced by employees working at the grassroots level under the anti-drug campaign. Parminder emphasized that this action is crucial to shed light on the challenges these workers endure while striving towards a drug-free Punjab.
Demands and Call to Action
The union has made it clear that the strike will continue indefinitely until the government accepts their demands. Through media channels, they have urgently called upon the government to:
- Immediately address the concerns of employees dedicated to the goal of a drug-free Punjab.
- Release their pending 12% arrears at the earliest possible opportunity.
This move underscores the growing frustration among key personnel in the state's anti-drug efforts, potentially impacting the effectiveness of the broader campaign if left unresolved.
