Power Development Department Employees Stage One-Day Strike Over Unresolved Grievances

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

LIAQAT ALI KHATANA

RAJOURI JAN 08:-In a significant display of discontent, employees of the Power Development Department (PDD) Rajouri staged a one-day strike today, highlighting a series of long-standing issues that have continued to plague the department. The strike, organized across multiple regions, was driven by unresolved concerns including outdated engineer regulations, a lack of a functional in-charge system, delays in job creation, and an acute staff shortage due to 450 vacant posts.

A key focus of the protest was the plight of daily-wage employees, many of whom have worked with the department for years without receiving permanent positions. These workers are demanding immediate regularization of their services, arguing that their years of hard work and dedication should not be overlooked. Despite their contributions, their calls for job security have gone unanswered, fueling rising frustration among the workforce.

Union leaders warned that today’s strike is only the beginning. If the administration continues to ignore their demands, employees are prepared to escalate their efforts with a planned two-day strike on January 24 and 25. They expressed concerns that if left unaddressed, these ongoing issues could severely disrupt the department’s operations, with far-reaching consequences for the public as well.

Among those leading today’s protest were prominent figures such as Junior Engineer Ajaz Choudhary, Engineer Naveed Anjum, Isharat Mir, Tanveer Ahmed, and Shamim Ahmed. Speaking to the gathered employees, they highlighted the negative impact of the lack of an in-charge system and the strain caused by unfilled vacancies. They argued that the administration’s inaction not only undermines employee morale but also compromises the efficiency and smooth functioning of the department.

“The vacant posts and outdated regulations are crippling the system,” one leader declared. “How can we ensure smooth operations when there’s no leadership or sufficient manpower? The daily-wage workers, who have been the backbone of the department, deserve recognition and permanency for their years of dedicated service.”

The employees’ union has called on the government to prioritize these issues, emphasizing that filling the vacant positions and regularizing daily-wage workers would address staffing shortages, boost morale, and ultimately improve service delivery to the public.

Today’s strike resulted in notable disruptions within the department, with concerns growing that the planned strikes later this month could cause significant delays in power services. As the deadline for further action approaches, all eyes are on the administration to see whether they will act swiftly to resolve these pressing concerns before the situation escalates further.