Northeast Desk, 9th May: The All Arunachal Pradesh Public Health Engineering & Water Supply Department Workers Union (AAPPHE & WSDWU) has issued a stern warning to the state government, announcing plans for a state-wide dharna commencing on May 13. This ultimatum comes in response to the union’s demands regarding the alleged irregular appointments of 17 work-charged (WC) employees within the public health engineering & water supply (PHE&WS) department.
The controversy surrounding these appointments, purportedly made unlawfully in the PHE&WS department of Changlang and Longding districts, has ignited widespread discontent within the union. In light of this, the union has called for a thorough investigation by the State Investigation Cell (SIC) and the cancellation of appointment orders for those allegedly appointed through illegal means.
While the SIC awaits government approval to commence its investigation, tensions continue to escalate. Tadar Dawa, President of AAPPHE & WSDWU, announced plans for the dharna, involving approximately 7000 casual laborers employed by the department. Dawa emphasized that the union’s protest will persist until their demands are met, which include registering cases at SIC and canceling the appointments of illegally appointed workers.
Accusations of political interference have added complexity to the situation, with Dawa alleging that many of the illicitly appointed individuals hail from Keyi Panyor district, suggesting political motivations behind the appointments, particularly during elections. Concerns have also been raised regarding the preferential treatment received by the appointed individuals, with questions surrounding the appointment process channeled solely through SE Miao.
As the standoff between the union and the state government intensifies, the fate of the allegedly irregular appointments hangs in the balance, with both sides poised for a showdown unless a resolution is reached.