GUWAHATI: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation Workers' Association recently held its annual session and executive committee meeting to address long-standing issues affecting municipal workers. The association, led by newly elected President Balendra Bharali and General Secretary Dhiraj Patel, formed a 33-member executive committee to tackle a range of problems faced by municipal workers.
During the meeting held at the workers' union office on April 30, 2024, members discussed a report detailing the challenges workers face, emphasising the lack of response from authorities despite previous submissions. The key issues highlighted were:
• The association called for the jobs for contractual and temporary workers to ensure job security and benefits be made permanent.
• Workers emphasised the need for promotions to be based on merit and performance, rather than tenure or favouritism.
• The group raised concerns over delayed pension payments and urged authorities to ensure retirees receive their dues promptly.
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In 2021, the Guwahati development department approved that 1,561 temporary workers in the municipal corporation be made permanent. However, only 500 were made permanent, and no promotions were granted based on merit or educational qualifications. The remaining 1,061 workers have yet to be given permanent status, causing frustration among the workforce.
The association also criticised the municipal corporation for hiring new temporary workers while neglecting to stabilise and promote existing employees who have been working on a contractual basis for years. This practice, they argue, undermines the efforts of experienced workers to secure stable employment.
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Additionally, various departments in the municipal corporation have received approval to increase the workforce by 208 positions, as noted by the Assam Chief Minister. However, no action has been taken by GMC to implement these changes, further aggravating the situation.
The executive committee resolved to contact municipal authorities to discuss the grievances and seek solutions. If necessary, they plan to take further action to ensure justice for municipal workers.
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The association emphasised the importance of resolving these issues to improve the working conditions and job security for municipal workers.
