SHILLONG: The Labour Union of Garo Hills Public Works Department has sought the intervention of the Government for extension of benefits to the muster roll workers under ‘Meghalaya Regular and Casual Workers Scheme 1996’ besides regularization of their services.
The Labour Union in a recent letter addressed to the Chief Engineer, PWD (roads) said that a decision was taken in the Union’s general meeting held on September 13 at Garobadha which discussed the apathy of the Government in addressing the various grievances of the muster roll workers.
The Union also recalled that almost 50 days ago, they had submitted a similar representation to the Chief Engineer PWD (roads) and Secretary PWD, but in vain.
A cording to the Union for the last 18 years, the state government has been dilly dallying on the various demands of the muster roll workers.
The Union said that the Executive Engineer, PWD (R) NEC Division, Tura had issued an order in 1997 giving ‘regular casual workers status’ to the muster roll labourers who have completed more than 10 years of continuous service under the Meghalaya Regular and Causal Workers Scheme 1996. As many as 126 muster roll workers were accorded the status, but since the order was not implemented, the Union moved the High Court which instructed PWD to implement the order, which, however, has not been followed by the Government.
Moreover, there are many others who have completed 10 years continuous service as muster roll workers and the department needs to keep track of the same.
The Union said that once the policy is implemented, pending arrears should be provided to the workers.
