Chaos erupted outside the Deputy Commissioner's office in Jalandhar on Tuesday as a large group of agitated labourers staged a forceful protest, blocking the main entrance for over two hours. The demonstration, which began around 11:30 AM, was a desperate plea for the release of their long-overdue wages.
Protest Halts Official Work, Inconveniences Public
The protestors, numbering over a hundred, gathered at the main gate of the District Administrative Complex. They sat on the ground, effectively sealing off access to the office. This action caused significant disruption, preventing government officials, employees, and the general public from entering or exiting the premises. Visitors with scheduled appointments and urgent work were left stranded and hassled outside the gates.
Security personnel, including police officers, were present at the spot. They attempted to persuade the labourers to clear the path and move to a designated protest area, but their efforts were initially unsuccessful. The labourers remained steadfast in their sit-in, determined to draw the administration's immediate attention to their plight.
Core Grievance: Unpaid Wages for Road Construction Work
The root cause of the protest was the non-payment of wages for work already completed. The labourers had been employed by a contractor for a road construction project under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD). Despite fulfilling their duties, they had not received their salaries for several weeks.
Frustrated by the contractor's unfulfilled promises and lack of payment, the workers decided to take their grievance directly to the highest district authority. They demanded that the Deputy Commissioner intervene and ensure their hard-earned money is released without further delay. The protest continued unabated until about 1:30 PM, lasting a full two hours and bringing normal administrative functions to a standstill.
Administration's Response and Resolution
Following the prolonged blockade, senior administrative officials finally engaged with the protestors. A team from the DC's office listened to the labourers' complaints and assured them that their issue would be addressed promptly.
The officials communicated with the concerned contractor and the PWD authorities to verify the claims and expedite the payment process. Based on these assurances, the labourers agreed to call off their protest and disperse from the main gate, allowing normal traffic and office operations to resume.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by daily-wage labourers in securing timely payment for their work. It also underscores how such disputes can spill over and disrupt public administration and services. The district administration has now taken cognizance of the matter, and it remains to be seen how swiftly the promised wages are actually delivered to the waiting workers.
