Krishi Vigyan Kendra joins nationwide protest against ICAR’s ‘discriminatory’ policies

OUR CORRESPONDENT

TINSUKIA: The employees of Tinsukia Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) participated in a nationwide protest by organising a pen-down strike-cum-demonstration on Thursday demanding implementation of the “One Nation, One KVK” policy as per the recommendations of the Paroda High Power

Committee and to bring to an end the discrimination meted out by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The strike, which was observed in over 600 KVKs under host organization other than ICAR, saw more than 7000 employees, scientists, technical staff, and administrative personnel participating in the agitation.

The protest was for the long-standing grievances of the non-ICAR KVK employees, who have been alleging inequity in terms of pay scales, promotions, and other service conditions as compared to KVKs under ICAR. The ICAR, which is the apex body responsible for coordinating agricultural research in the country, has been accused of favouring its own employees at the expense of those working in non-ICAR KVKs. The protesters claimed that despite performing similar roles, non-ICAR KVK employees were being paid lower salaries and were denied opportunities for career advancement. They also alleged that the ICAR was issuing various pessimistic and contradictory letters in respect of non-ICAR KVKs, which was affecting the working environment to carry out research and extension activities effectively. The agitation called by the Forum of KVK and AICRP saw employees gathering at their respective KVKs, holding placards and banners, and raising slogans against the ICAR’s discriminatory policies.

A statement issued by the president and general secretary of the Forum of KVK employees expressed their grievances and sought immediate action from ICAR and intervention from the Government of India for resolving their legitimate demands. They stated that “All KVKs, irrespective of the host organization are performing the same responsibilities and duties and working under the same scheme, which is 100 percent funded by the Government of India. Nine percent of KVKs (66 nos.) are under the administrative control of ICAR, and employees of these KVKs are getting all facilities like other employees of ICAR from the same fund of the scheme, whereas the employees of KVKs under other institutes are not getting many legitimate benefits. Thus, there is no parity in the system. They have also stated that they have placed their concerns many times and requested ICAR authorities for corrective measures to adopt One KVK One Policy since December 2023. But instead of addressing the concerns, in recent days different letters have been issued from the administration of ICAR; they opined.”

KVKs are the only technology-led institutions at the district level, comprising scientists from different disciplines of agriculture and allied fields, disseminating new technologies, and acting as a bridge between the government and farmers. The Forum is hopeful that the interventions of the central government as well as state governments will bring justice and solutions to the issues raised by the hard-working KVK employees by addressing their rights and dignity they deserve.

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