On 28 August 2023, approximately 19,000 employees from the MP revenue department, specifically known as patwaris, initiated an indefinite strike. Their primary demands include increased salaries and improved benefits.
These patwaris—who are responsible for supervising land mutation processes and are involved in issuing caste certificates—have not witnessed any adjustments to their pay scale for the past 25 years. They are currently receiving Rs 2,100. They wish for this amount to be raised to Rs 2,800. Now, only those who are graduates can apply for a ‘patwari’ job.
What is pertinent to mention here is that even individuals without a degree and having passed only Class XII are earning Rs 2,800 in various other departments within the Madhya Pradesh government. The workload entails duties for 52 different departments, including revenue-related tasks. Beyond the salary increment, the employees have also been seeking a time-based pay scale and timely promotions.
Furthermore, the statement asserts that although the state government is distributing ‘freebies’ in anticipation of the upcoming year-end elections, it is reluctant to enhance the patwaris’ remuneration.
Chandigarh
On August 29, 2023, the PGI Safai Karamchari Union, the PGI Safai Karamchari Contract Union, and the PGI All Contract Workers’ Union were set to initiate a strike. Their objective was to seek redress for an incident involving a sanitary inspector who reportedly threatened the union’s president with harm on Independence Day.
Pankaj Sachan, head of the PGI Safai Karamchari Union, alleged verbal abuse and a death threat by a sanitary inspector on August 15. Despite 10 days, no action was taken; only transfer orders were issued on 26. Sachan has begun a hunger strike for action and reinstatement. The strike has seen participation from hospital staff such as attendants, clerks, and gardeners, affecting hospital operations.
Kumar Gaurav Dhawan, the deputy director of administration, stated that senior administrative officials are aware of the issue and are taking the required measures.
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