Government employees from all over Rajasthan gathered in Jaipur on Monday. They staged a large protest under the banner of the All Rajasthan State Govt Employees Federation. The workers expressed deep frustration over the continued neglect of their long-standing demands.
Key Demands and Traffic Disruption
The employees highlighted several critical issues. These include problems with pensions, pay anomalies, delayed promotions, and poor service conditions. They organized a protest march starting from Ramniwas Bagh. The march moved through important city roads and ended with a public meeting. This action caused severe traffic disruptions across Jaipur.
Ultimatum to the Government
The federation issued a clear warning to the state government. They demanded concrete decisions on their demands by March 31. If the government fails to act, the employees plan to intensify their agitation statewide. This escalation could include short-notice strikes and broader protests.
Federation President Accuses Government
Mahavir Sharma, the federation president, addressed the gathering. He accused the government of repeatedly breaking promises made to subordinate service employees. "Despite announcements in the budget, neither cadre restructuring was implemented nor pay anomalies resolved. Employees are continuously being ignored," Sharma stated firmly.
Pension Scheme Concerns
Sharma raised serious concerns about the New Pension Scheme (NPS). He noted its imposition in boards and universities instead of restoring the old pension scheme. "This is an attack on the social security of lakhs of employees," he emphasized, warning that it endangers their future.
Additional Grievances Highlighted
The protest also focused on other pressing issues:
- Transfer Policy: Sharma criticized the absence of a transparent transfer policy. He pointed out delays in transferring thousands of grade-III teachers.
- Contractual Workers: He highlighted the plight of contractual and honorarium workers. "Lakhs of contractual workers are being exploited. They are neither regularised nor given respectable remuneration," Sharma lamented.
Warning of Escalation
Federation leaders issued a stern warning. They stated that failure to resolve these issues would lead to a statewide movement. "If the govt continues to remain indifferent, employees will be forced to take the agitation to the next level," Sharma cautioned, underscoring the growing unrest among employees.
