Sacked Aahar Centre Workers In Ganjam District Demand Re-Engagement

Berhampur: The workers of Aahar centres in Ganjam district disengaged from their services have staged a sit-in at the office of the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) protesting the alleged autocratic decision of the government in times of a pandemic.

Braving the cold weather conditions, several men and women workers who were sacked from their jobs on November 1, 2020, have been sitting outside the BeMC office for the last three days seeking an answer with regard to their sudden disengagement without any prior notice.

They have alleged that the government has terminated them so that members of the women self-help groups could be engaged for the Aahar services, the state-run cheap meals scheme. Protesting the move, the workers have requested to re-engage them with the Aahar Kendras.

While no response could be obtained from the government officials, the jobless bunch has threatened to continue with their stir if their demands are not met.

"Most of us were hired five years back. Suddenly we are informed that we have been disengaged. We haven't received any prior notice in this regard. How do we sustain? How do we make our ends meet?" said a protestor.

It is to be noted that the Centre had reportedly asked public and private establishments not to disengage employees in the wake of Covid situation, citing that termination of employees or reduction of wages would further deepen their financial crisis and also hamper their morale to combat the pandemic.

The State Government, however, in July decided to disengage all casual and contractual employees after the contract period is over so as to rationalise the expenditure burden.

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