Contractual Employees Launch Peaceful Protest in Silchar
Members of the All Assam Contractual Employees' Council's Cachar district committee initiated a significant two-day sit-in demonstration on Wednesday, gathering at the Cachar zilla parishad premises to voice their longstanding grievances. The protest commenced with an emotional atmosphere as Zubeen Garg's popular track "Mayabini" played, briefly creating a poignant moment before the site resonated with powerful slogans demanding justice.
Key Demands of the Protesting Employees
The protesters, carrying placards and banners, expressed strong dissatisfaction with both the Centre and the state government, accusing them of ignoring the plight of more than 8,000 contractual employees across Assam. Council representatives emphasized that prolonged governmental apathy has pushed their future into what they described as "uncertainty."
The primary demands presented during the protest include:
- Immediate clearance of all pending salaries
- Regularization of contractual jobs
- Protection for employees above 60 years of age
- A substantial salary hike
- Introduction of a comprehensive HR policy
Warning of Escalated Agitation
The leadership of the All Assam Contractual Employees' Council issued a stern warning to the authorities, stating that if these "legitimate demands" are not addressed promptly, the current agitation will be intensified in the coming days. The council representatives stressed that they have exhausted all peaceful means of negotiation and are now compelled to take stronger action to draw attention to their critical situation.
The protest highlights the growing unrest among contractual workers in Assam who have been struggling with job insecurity and financial instability despite years of service. The emotional beginning of the demonstration with Zubeen Garg's music particularly resonated with the participants, many of whom have been working on contractual basis for several years without the benefits and security afforded to permanent employees.
As the two-day sit-in continues, all eyes are on the state government's response to what the employees describe as their final attempt at peaceful resolution before considering more drastic measures to secure their employment rights and financial stability.
