Indus Valley Times

By Addanki Iswar R.

Malkangiri, Odisha 01 June 23- In a massive demonstration of solidarity, the Odisha Amala Sangha organized a statewide protest today, demanding a significant increase in their grade pay and salary. The protest gained momentum in Malkangiri, where all the Amala’s went on mass leave, paralyzing government offices in the district.

The Odisha State Revised Pay (ORSP) of 2017 set the grade pay for Level 9 clerks at Rs. 4200/-. Dissatisfied with the current remuneration, the Amala Sangha had previously communicated their grievances to the government. However, with no concrete action taken by the authorities, the association intensified their protest from May 22nd to May 31st by wearing black badges as a mark of dissent.

Following the government’s non-responsive stance, the Amala Sangha decided to escalate their protest further. Today, all the clerks went on mass leave and assembled in front of the Collectorate in Malkangiri, staging a dharna to amplify their demands. The Collectorate premises were crowded with agitated Amalas raising slogans ,calling for immediate attention from the government.

The clerks’ demands primarily revolve around a substantial increase in their grade pay and salary, considering the rising cost of living and inflation. They argue that their current remuneration is inadequate and does not align with the nature and responsibilities of their job.

Speaking on behalf of the Odisha Amala Sangha , Mr. Syam Sundar Nayak, the association’s Convenor Malkangiri branch, expressed deep disappointment with the government’s lack of response. He stated, “We have been working tirelessly to ensure the smooth functioning of government offices. Our contribution is invaluable, and it is disheartening to see our concerns ignored. We demand a just and fair revision of our grade pay and salary.”

They hope that the government will acknowledge their grievances and take prompt action to address them, ensuring the welfare and satisfaction of the clerks across the state.

As the protest gains momentum, the impact on government services and administrative functions is becoming increasingly evident. The Odisha government now faces the challenge of resolving the matter swiftly and efficiently to restore normalcy and resume essential services for the public.

The situation remains tense as the Amala Sangha vows to continue their protest until their demands are met.