On 4 December 2023, approximately 1000 employees of the Jharkhand government and contractual workers started striking. They presented 11 demands, which included remuneration and a hike in grade pay.
Under the aegis of the Jharkhand State Non-Gazetted Employees Federation (JSNGEF), workers including clerks, panchayat secretaries, health and collectorate workers, Anganwadi sevikas, assistants, and National Health Mission (NHM) workers gathered at Morabadi grounds for a rally.
The workers organised a three-kilometre march towards the Governor’s House, culminating in a public meeting held at Raj Bhavan. During this event, members of the federation presented a memorandum to the chief minister’s office, outlining their key demands.
Ashok Kumar Singh, state general secretary, underscored the federation’s objectives. One prominent demand is for a substantial increase in the minimum grade pay for class-III employees, such as clerks and panchayat secretaries, aiming for a raise to Rs 2,400.
Additionally, Singh emphasised the necessity for a 50 per cent promotion of Grade-IV employees, to address the vacant positions within Grade-III. These demands address the issues and aspirations of the workforce, seeking fair compensation and professional growth.
Anganwadi workers from various panchayats and blocks also took part in the rally, to voice their demands. Despite four years in office, these workers have not been provided any benefits. It is alleged that the state government has not been providing salaries, honorarium or house rent to these workers on time.
