News Flash
05 October
Reported: Vishal Mayur
Protesters Urge Government to Elevate Posts to Gazetted Group B Grade
Bengaluru: We demand the upgradation of all PDO posts to Gazetted Group B Grade, the fixing of salaries for five employees by the department, compensation of 1 lakh in the event of an employee's death, and the transfer of those who have worked for seven years to another taluk. This was stated by Raju Varna, State President of the Union of Gram Panchayat, while addressing a protest.
The protest, held at Freedom Park on Friday, was led by the unions representing officers and employees of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, along with the Union of Gram Panchayat Members. Around 35,000 employees and Gram Panchayat members advocate for their demands.
While speaking with News Flash, Raju Varna said, "We want the government to upgrade all posts of Panchayat Development Officers and abandon the rule that transfers PDO’s who have completed seven years of service to another taluk. Such transfers should only occur when public interest is demonstrated within the district, and the association's advice should be sought before making any changes to the transfer rules.”
Varna urged the government to finalize the seniority list of PDOs and implement promotions. He requested the discontinuation of target setting for the MGNREGA project in areas where it is unnecessary and stressed the importance of considering Gram Panchayat opinions in decision-making.
The protest highlighted the need for strengthening the Kundu Deficiency Authority, appointing a committee of experts, implementing a uniform audit system, ensuring timely resolution of service matters, and establishing a uniform helpline for all software.
Additionally, the unions called for health insurance of 5 lakh for the families of Gram Panchayat employees and a review of retirement allowances.