VAOs launch indefinite strike over several demands

Dharwad / Haveri: Following a call given by the Karnataka State Village Administration Officers' (VAOs) Association, the VAOs began their indefinite strike in front of the tahsildar's office in Dharwad on Monday. This strike is part of the second phase of their protest, demanding solutions to various issues.
The VAOs stated that during the statewide indefinite strike held from Sept 26 to Oct 3, 2024, the principal secretary of the revenue department had assured that the demands of the VAOs would be met. Based on this assurance, the strike was withdrawn. However, since the promises have not been fulfilled, the second phase of the strike has been started.
The key demands of the VAOs include, dropping the e-Pouthi Khata initiative, which records successors' names in inheritance records, similar to the Pahani document update drive that detected 51.5 lakh deceased account holders.
Withdrawing the disciplinary action imposed on 30 VAOs in Chikkamagaluru district, where their annual salary increments were withheld, violating the principles of natural justice and regulations.
Implementing a special transfer policy in the revenue department, similar to other govt departments. Providing well-equipped offices for VAOs. Recognising VAO positions as technical posts and determining an appropriate pay scale accordingly.
Association members Venkatesh Hatti, Paramananda Daddi, Praveen Kulkarni, Mahesh Nagammanavar, Kavita Bengeri and others took part in the protest.
VAOs protested at the city tahsildar's office in Haveri on Monday. They noted their workload increased since the last protest, forcing them to halt work and restart their agitation.
The officers currently work without basic equipment such as computers, laptops, internet facilities, and scanners. They experience significant stress managing multiple mobile applications concurrently, affecting their mental and physical well-being, they said. The applications include Aadhaar seeding, Bagar Hukum, rights certificates, web applications of forms 1-5, and the Pauti Andolan app. The govt has not responded to their concerns about these matters.