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Bhubaneswar: The dharna by members of Orissa State Electricity Board Employees Federation (OSEBEF), has entered the fourth day today continuing their demand on regularisation of jobs and promotions on the basis of seniority and ranking.
The employees also demanded that the government must abolish privatisation of the State's power sector alleging that the management of power distribution in the State by private companies has led to misappropriation of public money and exploitation of workforce.
Thousands of permanent and non-permanent power employees carrying flags and banners, and shouting slogans against the government, have been sitting on dharna near the Lower PMG square since December 20.
"There should be 'equal pay for equal work' and 'permanent jobs for permanent works'. The employees working at the ground level are being exploited by the private companies who are making huge profits. Privatisation of the State's power sector must be abolished," said an agitating employee.
"We have approached the government several times with our grievances but in vain. The government is dilly-dallying taking decisions on the issues affecting us," he alleged.
Some contractual employees have been working at a mere pay of Rs 5000 each. Privatisation of the power sector has put the future of thousands of employees at stake, said another employee.
Meanwhile, the employees have threatened to continue the protest till their demands are fulfilled.
