Odisha Fire Services personnel go on indefinite stir

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Fire Services personnel today launched an indefinite cease-work strike across the State demanding fulfilment of various demands.

As per sources, the demands include a salary equivalent to that of Odisha police, regularisation of contractual employees, immediate disbursal of pension of retired employees and registration of Havildar fireman association.

Convenor of Odisha Fire Services Employees' Union Akshay Pradhan said, "We demand same wages as given to Odisha police. This apart, we want registration of Havildar fireman association and regularisation of contractual employees. We will continue our protest till the demands are met."

According to sources, more than 5000 firemen, havildars, drivers and drivers of the department have joined the protest.

The Union has said it has been urging the government since long to fulfil the demands, but there has been no response from any of the concerned officials.

Fire Range Officer of Cuttack, Bhabgrahi Ghadei, said, "Many issues are being resolved. DG Police assured the protesters that their grievances will be resolved in different phases and has urged them to end the agitation so that public service is not hindered."

Meanwhile in Nuapada, the Fire Services personnel have intensified the protest demanding an immediate solution.