Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 09 June 2023
The Middle Andaman Forest Employees Union, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), recently conducted a significant General Body meeting at Rangat. The meeting focused on addressing various concerns faced by workers employed under the Middle Andaman Forest Division. Notably, the meeting expressed deep apprehension regarding the decision made by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to not grant the payment of 1/30th of pay plus Dearness Allowance (DA) to the daily-rated mazdoors working under the Forest Department. This decision has been deemed in violation of the judgment dated 19th December 2022, issued by the Division Bench of the Honorable High Court at Calcutta in the case of Lt Governor vs. ASNVMS.
During the meeting, attendees highlighted the urgency for the Government of India and the authorities in the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to reconsider their stance and extend the aforementioned benefits to all daily-rated mazdoors (DRMs) working under the Forest Department. The workers urged a swift resolution to the matter, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the court’s verdict. Speaking at the gathering, PK Khalid, the General Secretary of the Middle Andaman Forest Employees Union, criticized the government for unnecessarily dragging Forest Department workers into litigation, thereby creating an additional burden for them.
The General Body meeting witnessed a large turnout, with numerous Forest Department workers from Rangat and nearby areas actively participating in the discussions. The collective effort of the Middle Andaman Forest Employees Union aims to address the grievances of the workers and advocate for their rights and fair treatment.