ITANAGAR, AUG 17:

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) staged a protest rally in Itanagar on Monday, raising a range of demands concerning workers’ welfare, social security, wages and service conditions. The organisation also served a two-month ultimatum to the State Government, warning of a democratic movement if its demands are not addressed.

The rally began at the Akashdeep-Ganga area and culminated at IG Park, with hundreds of workers and members of various organised and unorganised sector unions participating. Around 20 affiliated unions reportedly joined the demonstration.

Addressing the media, BMS Arunachal Pradesh president Ringu Chapo said the rally was part of a nationwide protest organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh on issues concerning workers and employees.

He said the demands relate to wages, service conditions, social security, dignity of labour, protection of workers’ interests, decent working conditions and economic security for workers and their families. A memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while another was submitted to Chief Minister Pema Khandu seeking action on issues concerning workers in the State.

Among the major demands are repeal of the June 2025 order providing a one-time retirement benefit of Rs 3 lakh to contingency employees, Auxiliary Labour Corps (ALCs) and casual labourers who have attained 60 years of age after completing 20 years of service, and modification of the scheme in consultation with trade unions.

The BMS also demanded immediate functioning of the Unorganised Workers Welfare Board under the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act; establishment of a Transport Workers Welfare Board; enhancement of the State Government’s share of honorarium for Anganwadi, ASHA and Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN) workers; and implementation of equal grade pay for equal work under government establishments.

Other demands include provision of sanitation facilities for truck and heavy vehicle drivers on the Hollongi-Itanagar and Banderdewa-Itanagar routes, and payment of 13 months’ wages/salary to field workers and staff under the Power Department and Public Health Engineering & Water Supply Department, including pipe fitters, linemen, wiremen, PB operators, electricians and site junior engineers.

Chapo said the organisation expected the State Government to invite BMS representatives for discussions on the demands. “Today is a warning for our issues and we hereby serve two months’ ultimatum from IG Park. In case our genuine issues are not taken up for consideration, we will have no option but to launch a democratic movement in support of our demands,” he said.

BMS general secretary Donik Talin also addressed the gathering and spoke to the media on issues concerning the workers’ community.