Bhubaneswar: Thousands of women participating in Odisha’s Mission Shakti program, including Master Book Keepers (MBK), Bank Mitras, Krishi Mitras, and Prani Mitras, staged demonstration at Lower PMG square in Bhubaneswar to protest non-payment of salaries.
They held the demonstration under the banner of All Odisha GPLF (Gram Panchayat Level Federation) Mission Shakti Workers Front. The demonstration coincided with the start of the Assembly session. The protesters raised the issues of pending wages and salaries for nine months.
Protesting women claimed their salaries have been withheld since April, leaving them uncertain about supporting their families. Despite Government’s promise of salary increments in March, ranging from Rs 6,250 to Rs 10,750 per month, the women have not received their due wages. The previous BJD government owes them three months’ pay, while the current Mohan Majhi-led government owes six months, they said.
They further alleged that they are yet to receive the pending salaries despite assurances from Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida.
We had discussed with our department heads, but unfortunately, they have done precious little to facilitate the release of our pending salaries. We now place our hope in the Deputy Chief Minister, urging him to take note of our grievances and address our concerns,” said a woman at the protest site.
