TURA, June 28: The stalemate at the NEHU Tura campus continues as the Tura Campus Staff Welfare Association (TCSWA) enters the third week of its “pen-down” strike, which began on June 16.
The TCSWA is demanding that university authorities implement the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) order on “Equal Pay for Equal Work.”
“We have requested NEHU authorities for years to ensure parity through the implementation of the DoPT order,” said TCSWA President Tangseng G. Momin.
“Despite our submissions, the university has not acted. This is a clear Government of India order that is being ignored.”
Momin further alleged that outsourced employees are being denied EPF benefits, while others have been demoted citing financial constraints. He also highlighted that retired employees are being denied gratuity, despite rules stipulating payment within 30 days of retirement.
“There is a High Court ruling stating that financial limitations cannot justify discrimination,” Momin added.
“It is apparent that the Tura campus administration is not making an honest effort to address these legitimate demands.”
The TCSWA also accused the administration of attempting to weaken the agitation through outsourcing agencies rather than addressing grievances.
The association specifically questioned the role of the Civil Defense Administration, which recently issued show-cause notices to three employees regarding EPF benefits. The TCSWA raised concerns over whether the Civil Defense Administration is legally permitted to act as a manpower outsourcing agency.
“If they are legally eligible, they are duty-bound to provide EPF benefits to their employees,” the TCSWA president stated.
