The Tripura Irregular Employees Forum held a state-wide convention at IMA House on Sunday, 15 December, to push for the regularisation of irregular employees and equal pay for equal work. Employees from across the state attended the event, highlighting their collective frustration over years of neglect and demanding justice.
The convention was presided over by Purushottam Roy Barman, senior lawyer and convener of the forum, alongside other key representatives. The forum emphasised the urgent need for the government to address the plight of irregular employees, many of whom are nearing retirement without job security or adequate benefits.
The forum issued a stern warning to the government, announcing plans for a large-scale protest if their demands are not met. Barman revealed that 30,000 irregular employees from across the state are prepared to stage a historic dharna on 4 January if the government fails to act promptly.
Speaking to the media, Roy Barman criticised the state government for failing to regularise even a single irregular employee over the past seven years. He noted that this inaction has left thousands of workers in a precarious position, particularly those approaching retirement.
The senior advocate also pointed out that a scheme introduced in 2007 by the previous government allowed for regularisation after ten years of service. However, this pathway was blocked in 2012 by a new circular, which prevents irregular employees from seeking legal recourse.
The convention passed a resolution to intensify the fight against this deprivation. The forum’s key demands included immediate regularisation of all irregular employees. Additionally, they demanded equal pay for equal work to address wage disparities.
