Computer operators back to work after 19 days’ strike
Tribune News Service
Karnal, August 5
After a strike of 19 days, the junior programmers and data entry operators of the District Information Technology Society (DITS) have resumed their duties, bringing much-needed relief to residents, who have been waiting for their works to be done at various government offices.
With the employees resuming duties, operations at Saral Kendras, tehsils, subtehsils and other government offices started smoothly. After the resumption of work, there was hustle and bustle in the government offices, which wore a deserted look during the strike.
These offices are now buzzing with activity as employees began catching up on work backlog. Residents are flocking to the offices to get their pending works done. They are now able to register for driving licence, vehicles and revenue-related work is also being conducted efficiently.
The employees of DITS had been on a state-level dharna in Karnal since July 15, demanding regularisation of jobs, budgetary provisions for DITS, creation of permanent posts, job security until the age of 58 years and equal pay for equal work, among others.
As per employees, they have resumed duties on the assurance given by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to consider their demands.
“After an assurance by the CM on August 2, we called back our strike on August 3. After a two-day holiday, we resumed work today. We have served an ultimatum to the government till August 10. If our files are not moved, we will go on strike again,” said Utkarsh Azad, district president of Computer Professional Sangh.
The interruption in services had led to significant delays in the registration of vehicles and other essential works.
“I have been waiting for the registration of land. Due to the strike, it got delayed. Now, I am hopeful it will be done in a couple of days,” said Sunil Kumar, a local resident.
Meanwhile, the authorities claimed that to clear the pendency due to the strike, they had deployed extra manpower. “We have deputed extra employees to clear the backlog of work,” said an official.