Sunil Haleangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Feb 18: About 57 persons, it is learnt, have been working on temporary basis in National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK), Suratkal near here on daily wage basis. There have been persistent demands for absorbing them on permanent employment. On Tuesday February 17, their assertion for rights intensified, with hundreds of people gathering in front of NITK and holding protest in support of the demands of these daily wage earners.
The aggrieved workers, along with their family members, began protest demonstration in front of NITK office since Tuesday morning. They were supported by 'Yuvashakti' organization, local citizens, and leaders of several institutions and organizations, who also supported the workers by participating in the protest.
Out of the 57 workers who have been demanding justice by way of facilities on par with permanent employees, many had joined when NITK was functioning with the name, Karnataka Regional Engineering College. There are people who have been serving it since the last 12 to 28 years. As they got only pay for the days worked, and are being deprived of various facilities like provident fund, paid leave, medical aid and others, at the meeting of the NITK board held on October 8, 2004, a decision to absorb all those daily wage workers who were in the service of NITK since the last ten years, was taken. This decision was confirmed again at a meeting held in the year 2008.
The employees vehemently protested against the fact that the management is dragging its feet relating to implementation of these decisions. Allegations also surfaced in which the workers said the contract workers have been facing problems in even getting their pay in the guise of Karnataka Public Service Commission rules.
The employees said they had been working in this institution like bonded labour, and stoutly opposed the behind-the-scene initiatives being undertaken to make fresh appointments in their places. They warned that they will take the protest to further level if their demands are not met.
Sensing that the protest was gaining momentum in terms of strength and intensity, members of the NITK management visited the protesters, and promised them to take up the issue of confirming services of those who have been serving NITK for long in the next meeting. Based on their assurance, and the promise that till the issue is settled, no new appointments would be made in their places, the protesters cut short their protest and reported for duties.
Suratkal police made arrangements to maintain law and order at the spot. Several members of the public, who had mingled with the protesters, raised slogans even against certain members of the management. The family members of the protesters, by participating in the protest, lent it added credence and uniqueness.