Daijiworld News Network- Mangalore (AF)

Mangalore, May 11: As part of country-wide protests against the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati on the issue of upgradation of salaries, members of Akashvani and Doordarshan Administrative Staff Association will launch a lunch-hour demonstration on Thursday May 11 at All India Radio, Mangalore unit.

A press release issued by the Association here stated that in December 1997, the ministry and Prasar Bharati had taken a decision to upgrade the salaries of only the engineering and programme employees, in accordance with the Fifth Pay Commission. Following a nation-wide protest, it was decided that even the administrative employees would receive upgraded salaries. However, on February 25, 1999 the earlier order was ratified and revised salaries were given only to engineering and programme employees.

Even after repeated meetings and requests, the ministry has not responded to the demands of the Association. Therefore, a protest was inevitable, said the release.