ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Aug 7:The state capital’s infamous traffic snarls were at its worst on Monday when about 200 Itanagar Traffic Wardens (ITW)  observed a day long peaceful “whistle down” strike against the state government for non-fulfillment of their pending demands.

The strike was called in the backdrop of concern authority and state government failure to address the long pending demands of ITW like regularization of their jobs, promotion avenues on seniority basis with salary at par with rank of constable from Home Department etc.

However in a communiqué, the ITW has confirmed of the successful observance of the strike and stated that it will resume their duties on condition to maintain its own attendance by avoiding earlier system of Biometric attendance system provided by Chief Estate Officer.

“Seeing the grievances of public and commuters, we have decided to voluntarily resume our duties from Tuesday. We will give another ultimatum and if government or authority fails to respond within stipulated time then we will go for another 2 days long whistle down strike,” it added.

Requesting anonymity, a Traffic Warden disclosed that the ITW will now function independently and act as an autonomous body without depending on Chief Estate Officer and will soon approach the state government with a proposal.

The dejected warden informed this daily that they are left with no choice, but to move ahead with its agitation and continue their protest to seek justice.

He further disclosed that earlier in the office of Chief Secretary the wardens were given assurance by the CS, but till date no positive measures has been taken by the state government.

 “Our demands to increase the strength of current 56 posts of traffic police and absorb all 200 trained wardens into Home Department are also yet to be fulfilled despite passage of 4 months,” he rued.

Meanwhile when contacted Chief Estate Officer, Talo Potom reiterated on his stand to discontinue the service of wardens and ruled out that their duties cannot be regularized.

Potom disclosed that he had done enough within his capacity for the welfare of ITW by enhancing their salaries through various other means.

 “The strike called by ITW is unfortunate as they already know that their demands cannot be fulfilled. And the whistle down observed today is violation of the terms and condition of their engagement on Muster Roll basis as Traffic Wardens,” he added.

Later, Potom regretted that despite several requests made by him to call off their strike, the wardens went ahead with the agitation and disclosed that their services have been discontinued by him for violating the service condition.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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