Bhopal: Outsourced employees working in various government departments and semi-government institutions across the state took to the streets in Bhopal on Sunday to demand their rights. Hundreds of protestors, including security guards, peons, pump operators, sanitation workers, and part-time and temporary employees from schools and hostels, gathered at Neelam Park. Their primary demand was job security and a minimum wage of ₹21,000.

These employees have been grappling with job instability and inadequate wages for a long time. The protest was led by Vasudev Sharma, the state president of the Joint Front of Outsourced, Temporary, Part-Time, and Gram Panchayat Employees. He said, "Work in Madhya Pradesh’s government departments is now being outsourced through contractors. Almost 80% of the work has been privatized, and job security for employees in government departments has been completely eliminated. Additionally, they are not receiving the minimum wage, which has left them victims of injustice."

Vasudev Sharma further added, "Employees’ wages are being deducted with an 18% GST, which is extremely unfair. They also allege that their wages have been reduced further, worsening their financial conditions."

Employees Raise Slogans

Outsourced employees from most state departments participated in the protest. This included Gram Panchayat security guards, peons, pump operators, sanitation workers, part-time temporary employees from schools and hostels, employees from corporations, urban bodies, cooperatives, outsourced computer operators in government departments, ward staff in hospitals and medical colleges, security guards, fourth-class employees, market workers, employees from nationalized and cooperative banks, employees from higher and technical education institutions, university employees, yoga instructors in the AYUSH department, and vocational trainers from the education department.

The demand of all employees was the same – job stability and a minimum monthly wage of ₹21,000. They complained that the current wage they are receiving is not only inadequate but also subject to unjust deductions, significantly impacting their financial situation. Throughout the protest, employees raised slogans.

The protestors claimed that outsourced employees in government departments have been facing ongoing injustice. They stated that during the wage revision process, their wages have been reduced, and other benefits are entirely absent. The employees alleged that the outsourcing system, where contractors are used to get the work done, has made them even more vulnerable and insecure.

The administration granted permission for the protest late on Saturday night. By Sunday morning, the protesters began gathering at Neelam Park in Bhopal. They peacefully voiced their dissent to press the government to meet their demands.

This protest by outsourced employees is part of the ‘Kaamgar Kranti’ (Workers’ Revolution) movement, aimed at securing the rights of employees. They declared that they will continue their struggle until the government fulfills their demands. This movement is not only about their economic security but is also crucial for the long-term stability of their futures. The protestors made it clear that the government must raise the wages of outsourced and temporary employees and provide them with job security.