Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 23: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, MP, A&N Islands in his press release today on 23.04.2024 has stated that time and again, many Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) have approached him seeking the regularisation of their services a long-pending and genuine demand aimed at securing their employment and future.
In this regard, he stated that during the District Planning Committee (DPC) meeting for South Andaman district held from 15th to 17th April 2025, he formally raised the issue of regularisation and absorption of all 7,520 DRMs across various categories working in different departments under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The proposal was thoroughly discussed and unanimously supported by the DPC, South Andaman which comprises all Zilla Parishad Members, Municipal Councillors and Pramukhs of Panchayat Samities. The demand has now been formally included as part of the pre-mandatory process required for its incorporation in the Action Plan.
He further said he wish to assure all DRMs that a similar demand will be tabled before the District Planning Committees of North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar districts shortly. Following these deliberations, the matter will be submitted for consideration before the State Plan Board meeting and will personally take it up with the competent authorities to ensure its early and favourable resolution. For transparency, the text of the proposal presented by him before the DPC is reproduced below for information.
“DRMs – Regularisation: The Daily-Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) of various categories have been receiving 1/30th of the Pay + Dearness Allowance (DA) as per Government/Court orders since September 2017. As of date, around 7,520 DRMs are serving in various departments, including the Municipal Council and have been continuously working for the past 15 to 25 years without any monetary benefits other than their daily wages. Most of these workers are now nearing retirement age and are likely to be compelled to exit service without any retirement benefits. At this stage, it would be virtually impossible for them to secure permanent employment in other sectors through direct recruitment as per existing Recruitment Rules (RRs), despite having rendered prolonged and dedicated service.
In light of the above, it is proposed that all the existing DRMs working in various departments may be absorbed/regularized against existing vacancies and where necessary, by creating supernumerary posts as a one-time measure and as a special case, by relaxing general procedures and the matter shall be taken up with the competent authority for seeking necessary approval.
The decision for absorption/regularization of these DRMs falls under the purview of policy matters and can be executed through an administrative decision by the competent authority in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in order to safeguard the welfare and future of these long-serving workers.”
During the DPC, it was also highlighted that many DRMs, who were initially engaged directly by departments such as the Zilla Parishad, RD/Panchayat, Municipal and others, have had their mode of engagement changed to contractual DRM staff and have been classified as outsourcing staff. It was emphasized that they should also be considered for the grant of 1/30th Pay + DA, similar to the pay protection provided to the existing 7,520 DRMs and be included in the regularisation process without any discrimination.
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