Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR :  In a major relief to thousands of casual, contingency and work-charged (CCW) workers across Arunachal Pradesh, the state government has decided to release the pending wages and salaries of excess CCW employees, a move welcomed by the Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) and the All Arunachal Pradesh Workers’ Union (AAPWU).

Addressing a press conference at the Arunachal Press Club here on Saturday, APTUF General Secretary Kenkar Yomcha said the government’s decision came after a series of democratic protests and sustained representations by the two organizations demanding the immediate resumption and release of pending wages for casual labourers and contingency employees.

Describing the development as a historic milestone in the struggle for workers’ rights in the state, Yomcha said the decision would provide much-needed relief and hope to thousands of affected workers and their families.

He stated that the achievement was the result of the collective efforts of APTUF and AAPWU, including the submission of a joint memorandum and continuous engagement with the government to highlight the hardships faced by workers due to the non-payment of wages and salaries.

Expressing gratitude to the state government, Yomcha thanked Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Chowna Mein, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, the Commissioner (Finance), and other concerned officials for taking what he described as a humane and worker-friendly decision.

Yomcha also acknowledged the contributions of senior trade union leaders whose guidance and support played a crucial role in the movement. He said the unity, determination and collective efforts of workers and their representatives were instrumental in securing the release of the pending dues.

Yomcha stated the development stands as a testament to the power of collective action and underscores the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of workers in Arunachal Pradesh.

Earlier, APTUF and AAPWU served a 14-day ultimatum on the state government demanding the immediate release of pending wages for casual labourers and contingency employees. The organizations had also warned of a 24-hour shutdown of water and electricity supply in the capital if their demands were not addressed.