Temporary launch drivers to stage demo over wage hike on Sep 11

Bhubaneswar: The temporary launch driver and Khalashi Mahasangha have decided to stage a mass demonstration before the state assembly on September 11 if their demands are not fulfilled the earliest.
Addressing a media conference here on Sunday, Mahasangha president Judhisthir Mohapatra said, “The temporary launch drivers and Khalashis are being engaged by the Special Relief Commissioner on six-month contractual basis since long. They play a significant role in saving lives of people during natural calamities like cyclone and floods. But, it is a matter of regret that a monthly allowance of just Rs 7,100 is being given to the launch drivers and Rs 6,450 to the khalisis, working across 20 districts of the state.”
He said the government should either provide permanent appointment to the contractual launch drivers and khalisis or hire them on annual basis instead of six months. “We also demand equal pay for equal work or a minimum monthly wage of Rs 15,000,” he added.