Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SM/EP)

Udupi, Sep 5: Employees of Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) on Thursday September 5 staged protest in front of DC's office, Rajatadri demanding an increase in their salaries and necessary facilities.

The employees of UPCL demanded employment of more qualified people, especially from among those who had lost their land in the year 2005 due to acquisition by the company to construct the power plant. It is said that only a few people are appointed in UPCL in different posts as far as their qualifications are concerned.

"There are 32 local people working in the power plant in different posts, drawing salaries of Rs 3,000, Rs 4,500, Rs 5,000, and Rs Rs 6,500. These employees have been appointed by the company through recruitment process, yet, they are paid less in comparison to contract employees and appointed employees who have influence on the authorities. They  get salaries 3 times higher," the protestors said.

"The company has not given proper increment to local people since their appointment, although they have necessary qualifications to get higher salaries. It is very difficult for them to manage basic requirement from the salaries they receive at present," they said.

They requested the DC to intervene in the matter and assist them in solving the problem and take necessary action to implement equality at work place. In spite of repeated requests with authorities concerned, no action has been taken to settle this issue, they added.

They demanded to increase their salaries to minimum Rs 15,000 from their present salary. A memorandum was forwarded to DC Dr M T Reju.