ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Mar 4: The All Arunachal Pradesh Workers Union (AAPWU) has issued a 16-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding action to its long-pending 10-point charter of demands. The union has warned of launching mass protests if the government fails to address their grievances.
Speaking at a press conference at the  Arunachal Press Club (APC) on Tuesday afternoon, AAPWU President Tadar Chai expressed resentment over the government's repeated inaction despite multiple memorandums and representations submitted over time. He stated that the demands raised by the union are crucial, as they directly impact the lives and security of thousands of contingency and casual workers employed across various departments in Arunachal Pradesh.
Among the key demands AAPWU is demanding an increase in the monthly salary of contingency and casual workers to ₹18,000 per month. Chai argued that the current wages set by the state government are insufficient to meet daily living expenses, especially as the cost of essential commodities continues to rise. He also called for the creation of sanctioned posts in all departments, particularly in newly established circles, subdivisions, districts, and divisions, where there is a dire shortage of manpower.
Another major concern raised by the union is the issue of grade pay for workers, which has been ignored by authorities despite persistent appeals. Chai also criticised the practice of maintaining a one-day gap in the service tenure of contingency and casual workers, calling it unnecessary and exploitative. He urged the government to put an end to this practice, which he said undermines the welfare of workers.
The union has further demanded the regularization of all work-charge, ad-hoc, and W/C (T) employees across departments. Additionally, it is calling for job appointments on compassionate grounds for orphans and widows after the death of a worker. The AAPWU also seeks the rollback of the departmental examination system conducted by APSSB and modifications to the LDC/LDC-Cum-Computer Operator/Data Entry Operator Recruitment Rules, 2019.
One of the most pressing issues highlighted by the union is the recent state government order (No. AR-33/4/2025-SECT-1AR (E-221931/72), dated February 28, 2025), which mandates the retirement of contingency and casual workers at the age of 60 without any retirement benefits. Chai strongly opposed the order, stating that it is unjust for workers who have dedicated their entire lives to government service without job security or regular benefits. He emphasized that without financial assistance, these retired workers would struggle to survive.  
AAPWU has urged Chief Minister Pema Khandu to introduce a golden handshake scheme, providing ₹15 lakh as financial support to retiring contingency and casual workers. The union has given the government 16 days to roll back the order and fulfill its demands. Failing this, AAPWU has threatened to launch a democratic agitation and take to the streets in protest, ensuring that the voices of contingency and casual workers are heard.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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