Odisha Electricity Workers Protest: More than 4,000 contractual electricity workers in Odisha are holding an unusual protest at PMG Square in Bhubaneswar. The workers are lying on the road and pretending to be dead to draw attention to their problems. The protest is called the ‘Jibanta Mritadeha’ or ‘Living Corpse’ demonstration and has now entered its 38th day.
The workers say their jobs are at risk and the government hasn’t fulfilled several promises made to them. With the winter season approaching, thousands of workers are worried about their future. They say more than 7,000 contractual electricity workers across Odisha could face uncertainty over their employment.
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The workers are protesting against possible job cuts and the government’s failure to meet their demands. They want their existing jobs to be protected and are asking officials to take action on promises made earlier.
The protest comes after a similar agitation in May. At that time, contractual electricity workers led by the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) held a 13-day protest. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi later intervened and gave assurances to the workers. Following this, the services of 1,744 workers were regularised.
But the workers say several issues are still unresolved. They are also concerned about a new contractual arrangement that could put their jobs at risk. This has led to fresh anger among employees who have worked in the power distribution sector for many years.
The protesters have placed several demands before the state government. They want the workers who have already lost their jobs to be taken back immediately. They also want the Chief Minister to fulfil the promises made during the earlier protest.
Their other major demands include giving existing employees priority when new contractual jobs are offered and ensuring that meter readers and bill collectors receive minimum wages. They are also asking the government to hold direct talks with workers’ representatives instead of leaving their complaints unanswered.
The workers have also raised concerns about outsourcing and privatisation in Odisha’s electricity distribution system. They want the government to review these policies and bring changes that can protect employees from sudden job losses.
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The employees say they’ve spent many years working in the power distribution sector but still don’t have proper job security. They fear that changes in contractual arrangements could leave many experienced workers without employment.
Similar concerns have also been raised by outsourced employees in different parts of Odisha. In October, workers in Jeypore protested against retrenchment notices and delays in salary payments.
Meanwhile, the Odisha Energy Department had asked the police to enforce the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) amid a power workers’ strike in October. The department raised concerns about possible disruptions to electricity services.
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