VALPOI
Demanding the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, aided Panchayat employees from across Sattari taluka staged a one-day sit-in protest outside the Block Development Office (BDO), Valpoi.
The protest in Valpoi was part of a statewide agitation being held in different talukas of the State. Employees from 12 Panchayats in Sattari taluka participated in the demonstration, demanding immediate action from the government.
Speaking to the media during the protest, the employees alleged that despite rendering sincere and dedicated service for several years, the government has failed to recognise their contribution and has not addressed their long-pending demands.
The protesters urged the government to implement the 7th Pay Commission, ensure regular and timely payment of salaries, introduce pension benefits, and resolve the issues faced by aided Panchayat employees at the earliest.
Employee representatives said that they have repeatedly submitted memorandums to the government and have met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on several occasions.
They claimed that although assurances were given, no concrete action has been taken so far, leaving them with no option but to launch a protest to draw the government's attention.
The employees stated that they perform responsibilities similar to those of regular government staff, including supervising Gram Sabhas, assisting in election duties, participating in government surveys, and implementing various public welfare programmes.
They stated that a large number of aided employees are working in Gram Panchayats across Goa and play a vital role in day-to-day administration and public service delivery. Despite carrying out these responsibilities, they continue to be denied benefits available to regular government employees.
“Unlike regular government employees, we have not been granted the benefits of the 7th Pay Commission, leading to growing dissatisfaction among the workforce,” complained one employee.
The protesters also highlighted that unlike regular government employees, aided Panchayat employees are not entitled to pension benefits after retirement. This leaves retired employees and their families financially insecure.
The protesting employees pointed out that their salaries are paid through government grants released to the Panchayats. However, delays in the release of these grants often result in delayed salary payments, causing financial hardship to employees and their families.
They said that timely release of grants would ensure regular payment of salaries and reduce the financial burden on aided Panchayat staff.
The employees said that despite submitting several representations and pursuing the matter with the authorities for years, their demands have remained unresolved.
They urged the government to either bring them under regular government service or introduce pension and other social security benefits to ensure a secure future.
