Odisha govt hikes wages of GRSs by Rs 2,000

Bhubaneswar: A day after agitating Gram Rozgar Sevaks (GRSs) were thrashed black and blue by police personnel, the Odisha government today hiked their wages by Rs 2,000.

An announcement in this regard was made by Odisha Panchayati Raj Minister Pradeep Maharathy on Saturday.

The sevaks had launched an agitation demanding an increase in their wages.

However, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan alleged that the announced wage hike insufficient and is nothing more than instigating the sevaks further.

Earlier today, Pradhan lambasted the BJD government over the lathi charge on Gram Sevaks and alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has become insensitive towards the plight of people.

Launching a scathing attack on CM Naveen, Pradhan said the State government resorting to violence against innocent people is unacceptable and it raises concerns of the government's modus operandi.

"In a democracy, lathi charge or any form of violence against peaceful protestors is offensive. The way police personnel thrashed the activists and even manhandled the lady agitators, raises grave concerns over the inhuman approach and insensitiveness," said Pradhan.

"Is it an offence to demand something? You may accept or deny it, that's a different thing, but trying to suppress people's voice through violence is not acceptable. I would like to tell the CM that there is no reason to become so cruel," the petroleum minister added.

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