Agartala, June 8: Linemen and drivers from the Bhturia Electricity Board office staged a protest in front of their workplace on Saturday morning, demanding better working conditions. The protesters called for an 8-hour workday, increased wages, and job security.
Hundreds of linemen and drivers gathered, raising slogans to draw attention to their legitimate rights. They emphasized the need for immediate solutions to their problems. These workers often find themselves working on ST lines without specific instructions, driven by their commitment to public service. However, their grievances remain unheard by both the government and the electricity board.
The shortage of manpower poses a significant challenge, impacting safety and emergency response. Despite repeated appeals to the concerned officials, no concrete action has been taken. The linemen, who were promised annual salary increases upon joining, have yet to see any such adjustments. Instead, they endure 12-hour workdays while receiving meager salaries—Rs 10,500 for linemen and Rs 7,700 for helpers.
In their pursuit of fair treatment, the linemen and helpers submitted a deputation to the Deputy Manager of Vision Plus. Their protest highlights the urgent need for reforms within the Electricity Department.
