Assam: Jal Mitra workers protest in Gossaigaon seeking regular jobs and timely pay

Jal Mitra workers, engaged in the operation and maintenance of village drinking water supply systems, staged a two-hour sit-in protest in Gossaigaon on December 15, demanding regularisation of their services and timely payment of salaries. The protest was organised by the Jal Mitra workers with the support of the All-Assam PHE Temporary Workers Employees Council.

The demonstration was held in front of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department’s Gossaigaon Sub-Divisional Office. Protesters raised slogans and displayed banners highlighting their demands, alleging that the state government and local leaders have ignored their long-pending issues.

The protesters demanded payment of minimum wages in accordance with labour laws, monthly disbursement of salaries without delay, and issuance of formal appointment letters by the PHE Department instead of engagement-based contracts. They also sought abolition of the system of salary payment through user committees and the Panchayat Department, and demanded that wages be paid directly by the PHE Department.

The protesters warned of intensifying their agitation if their demands are not addressed at the earliest.