Protests by Mission Shakti staff disrupt Odisha Assembly proceedings

Editor Editor
Dec 10, 2024 - 18:35
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Protests by Mission Shakti staff disrupt Odisha Assembly proceedings

Bhubaneswar, Dec 10: The Odisha Assembly experienced heated exchanges on Tuesday as tensions rose between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the ongoing protests by community support staff from the Mission Shakti Department.

Amidst the uproar, Speaker Surama Padhy adjourned the House until 11:30 a.m., but the debate reignited with even more intensity upon reconvening.

The protests, organized by the All Odisha GPLF Mission Shakti Workers Union, focus on a 10-point agenda that includes demands for the release of nine months of unpaid salaries and job regularization. Frustrated with the government's lack of action following unsuccessful negotiations, hundreds of women workers have taken to the streets, staging a sit-in at Lower PMG Road.

Senior BJD leaders joined the protest at Lower PMG Square, advocating for the immediate release of the overdue salaries and other unmet demands. Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP-led state government of deliberately neglecting the Mission Shakti workers. “The BJP is intentionally withholding salaries for these women. Over 70 lakh women are employed under this initiative. We strongly condemn this inaction. The BJD has always supported the Mission Shakti movement and will continue to do so,” Patnaik asserted.

In response, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida urged the protesters to reconsider their methods, cautioning them against being influenced by external parties. “The Legislative Assembly addressed this issue yesterday. I appeal to the women support staff not to protest due to external instigation,” she stated.

The BJP, meanwhile, pointed fingers at the previous BJD government for the workers' situation, highlighting its failure to renew service agreements that expired in April of this year.

Despite assurances, the protesters remain resolute in their demands for justice, pledging to continue their indefinite sit-in until their concerns are addressed.