Even as the preparations are in full swing for the Lok Sabha elections the election Commission staffers on whose shoulders the mammoth responsibility lie, are seething with resentment over the facility issue. Irked over their basic demands being left unheard, the administrative decision of denying them to hold a gate meeting to press their demands, has fueled their anger.
The commission’s employees and officials said that they are burning the midnight oil to deliver on their responsibilities, however, their basic needs are not being taken care of. President of employees association of election office, Keshav Tamrakar says that it is very unfortunate that employees had to even ask for the basic things that they duly deserve. “When our demands were not met, we sought permission to hold a gate meeting with all employees but that too was denied,” said Tamrakar.
Giving details about the demands, he said that all employees had to work till late evening. “We had only asked that the employees be given snacks around 6.30-7.00 pm. Those who stay back even late should get food packets after 8.00pm,” said Tamrakar. This has been the tradition and employees used to get refreshment etc, said Tamrakar, adding the separate rooms should be allotted for male and female staffers for lunch.
Staff working on Sunday and holidays should get meal, tea etc. pick and drop facility should also be provided as at times staff including females has to stay back till midnight or even late. “We have demanded a vehicle (van or car) to drop staff members who stay back so late. Same van should be used to bring and drop employees on Sunday and holidays,” he added. Employees have also demanded that a formal order should be issued to open office on Sunday and holidays.
Interestingly, when the association asked for permission to hold a gate meeting of all employees, they were asked to approach ‘competent authority.’ They were told later that they should seek permission from collector Bhopal. However, collector denied them permission citing violation of poll code. Irate employees have now started writing to the Election Commission of India office, New Delhi.
Financial enumeration condition irks employees
Patron of the employee association, RN Singh said that all employees of election commission were entitled to get a month’s salary after assembly elections. However, the order was twisted that said that ‘a month’s salary or Rs 50,000 whichever is less’ should be paid to the employees. “This is injustice with the employees who work tirelessly during elections. The election office works almost 24X7 during elections. We always used to get a month’s salary but this is for the first time that the order is being twisted,” said Singh.
Key demands
- Pick and drop facilities on holidays
- Drop facility for female staffers
- Refreshments, meal when working late
- Formal order on running office on Sunday, holidays
- Separate dining rooms for male-female staffers