PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, Mar 14: As many as 250 VLEs who had risked their lives during the corona period working at Covid static booths including Ranchi-Hatia Railway Station, Airport and Bus Stand protested in front of Civil Surgeon’s office for their money due with the administration.
All the VLEs received their salaries in the initial month on time, but as soon as the epidemic came to an end, they were removed from work, that too without paying any money.
They were hired by saying that they would be paid Rs 400 per day (Rs.12,000 per month). There are 35 employees who have not been paid salary for 6 months. While around 215 employees have not received a salary for three months. The total outstanding amount is Rs 95.12 lakh.
Ujjwal who has been working at the Hatia station said, “At the time of the epidemic when people were imprisoned in their homes, we worked on the front line. Today we are taking rounds of the officers’ office for our own money as if we are begging from the authorities.”
On the other hand, Khushboo Lakra said that we have knocked on the door of the Health Minister demanding arrears of salary. “We were sent back saying that we will receive money in two days. Today months have passed, but the money has not been received. There is no money even for food. Everyone is doing work by taking loans.”
Dipika Kachhap, who is going through a similar problem, said that due to non-payment of salary, she could not pay the rent of the house. The landlord has vacated the house and now finding a place to live has also become a challenge for her in the absence of her own money.
On this matter, Civil Surgeon Ranchi Dr Vinod Kumar said that the allotment will come from the DC office only then the salary will be paid. Currently, there is no allocation. “All these employees were employed at the time of Covid. They demand that the salary should be given and all of them are asking for the fixed time for payment of salary which is difficult.”
