Port Blair, Apr 23: Under the leadership of Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, President INTUC a peaceful Dharna and march was organized at Tiranga Park today which constituted of the members of APWD workers union of Port Blair, South Andaman also attended by the workers of APWD Havelock, Middle and North Andaman, Hutbay and Campbell Bay etc duly supported by many other unions affiliated to INTUC.
After completion of the Dharna cum March, a delegation lead by Mr. Sharma met Mr. PK Singh, Chief Engineer, APWD. Mr. Sharma, while handing over the memorandum to him stated that through the pragmatic approach and concerted efforts of the Lt Governor and Mr Singh, the Island is witnessing rapid development in many public utility sectors. Then Mr. Sharma detailed the difficulties being faced by the DRMs/Casual/Contact/Mustor Roll workers of APWD on the issue of their appointment who have served for more than five years.
He also requested for regular appointment of Compassionate ground cases and not to retrench those workers who have worked for more than 240 days. Mr. Sharma also requested to fill in all vacant posts of work charged Belders , to do away with engagement of mazdoors through labour contracts, re-induction of Muster Roll system for engagement of workers and creation of two Divisions for development and employment generation of water suppy division and Highway division.
Some of the workers also informed that they are being paid wages for 25 days against their work for 30days a month. Mr. PK Singh thanked the INTUC president for his amicable behavior and appreciated his friendly approach for getting the problems solved peacefully. On the matter of Compassionate Ground appointment, Mr. Singh informed the gathering that he has asked for the list of all such cases from all the divisions which, after cross checking will be placed on the notice board to make it transparent.
After that he will send the list to the Lt Governor for allowing one time relaxation and he is sure, he may be able to regularize the appointment of all such cases. On the issue of DRMs, he has assured to do his best within the rules and that too in positive thinking.
On the issue of retrenchment, Mr. Singh told that he will try to amend the recruitment rules so that maximum number of promotions can be given and the vacant posts can be filled in with the existing workers.
On the issue of 25 days wages against whole month work, he recorded his surprise on it and has assured to sort out the problem at an early date. He has also told that he loves the workers from core of his heart and always available to meet them and take care to sort out their problems.
On the issue of water supply division and Highway division, Mr. Singh informed that water circle has already been approved by the Lt. Governor and is lying for final approval of the concerned Ministry and told once it is approved many appointments can be made besides solving of other problems.
He has also told that if any retrenchment has been affected to those who are working since 2000, the cases may be brought to him for reappointment. The gathering was very happy to have their authority so kind to them. Mr. Sharma recorded his sincere thanks to Mr. Singh for giving his assurance for sorting out the problems of the workers. Mr. Sharma has also thanked the Police officials, those Unions who came forward to support the workers of APWD, Party workers and general public for their support and cooperation.
