Traffic wardens agitate against ‘discrimition’

From Our Correspondent

Itagar, Jan 10: Demanding for enhancement of salary, regularization of jobs, promotiol opportunities along with job security to all wardens and incentive, the Itagar Traffic Wardens (ITW) launched indefinite ‘whistle down’ strike at IG Park Tennis Court, Itagar from Monday onwards.

Raising slogans against the authority for allegedly failing to fulfil their demands for which they have been fighting for the past six years, protesters threatened to intensify the agitation till their demands are met.

President, ITW, Tarak Habing Charom said that Capital Complex is the only place where the traffic wardens were getting Rs. 7000 per month and despite their service to the city the structure of salary remains the same without any job security. Stating that there must be equal status and equal salary, Charom further asserted that “we seek equal pay for equal job so that we can get rid of the sufferings.” He added that their job is very tough but authority is keeping silent on the demand placed by them. “It is very unfortute that despite our sincere services we are getting salary less than the traffic wardens in Assam and other parts of the country. We also have family and children to look after and what is the meaning of doing a job which cannot fulfil our daily needs,” Charom lamented while urging the state government to stop exploiting traffic wardens.

Secretary, ITW, Loma Tapa said, “We are demanding the government to understand our pain and suffering. They should acknowledge the service we made towards the development of society.” He said successive governments had exploited them and made hollow promises. “The state government is not paying any heed towards our genuine demands and had turned a deaf ear, which ultimately compelled us to hold these mass agitations,” added Tapa. Vowing not to return to their duty until their demands are met, the ITW further threatened to go on continued indefinite strike if the demands were not fulfilled.