Over 150 members, working as casual labourers in Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Kamalapur Circle Office, have resorted to indefinite dharna to protest against the sudden withdrawal of the order on payment of one-third of the salary. They have threatened to continue the dharna until the new order enhancing their wages was implemented.
Jante Abdulla, General Secretary of the ASI Casual Workers Association, told The Hindu that the department, following umpteen representation by the casual labourers to enhance their wages, took a decision to grant one-third of the basic salary to the casual wagers. The casual labourers, who welcomed the move, submitted all the details, including medical certificate and were eagerly awaiting to get enhanced pay and were shocked when the local officials informed the that the order has been withdrawn,
“It is a case of slip between the cup and lip. The ASI withdrawing its order within a couple of months even before it got implemented which has come as a disappointment to a majority of workers have put in over two decades of service”, Abdulla said.
Sources in the ASI Kamalapur circle office told The Hindu that the head office had asked for all the details of the casual labourers working here and till then it had withdrawn the order.
A senior official, on condition of anonymity said that the Kamalapur Circle office had taken up the matter with the Director General of ASI New Delhi and a decision would be taken in the matter very soon. Till then the casual labours will have to bear with the department.
