Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has clarified that there will be no further increase in the salary of Cooks-cum-helpers (Pachikas), currently at Rs 3,000. School and Mass Education Minister Nityanand Gond has made this remark protests by the Nikhil Utkal Pachika Sangha, who have been demanding regularisation of their daily wage of Rs 462 and identity cards.
The Minister said that the BJP government had earlier increased the salary from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000, which the minister considers sufficient. Gond urged the protesters to call off their agitation, saying it hinders government work. However, the association leader countered that they seek not just a salary hike but also dignity and respect.
The protesters have been on a dharna for the second day, with seven-point demands, including regularisation of their wages and identity cards. They threaten to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
Their key demand is a hike in their monthly remuneration—from the existing Rs 3,000 to Rs 13,860. Another demand is formal appointment letters and identity cards for all cooks and helpers, which would strengthen job security.
