Panchayat Officers Demand Reforms, Threaten Strike

The Karnataka State Panchayat Development Officers’ Welfare Association and related unions demand government action on their requests, threatening to suspend Gram Panchayat services and initiate an indefinite strike from October 4. Their demands include upgrading positions, addressing staffing issues, and improving working conditions and health safeguards.

The Karnataka State Panchayat Development Officers' Welfare Association, alongside related unions, has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding action on their requests by October 4, or face the suspension of Gram Panchayat services followed by an indefinite strike.

Speaking to the media, Raju Varada, President of KSPDOWA, and other union leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's lack of response to their calls for reform. They outlined the persistent challenges faced by Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs), including staff shortages and unfilled positions stretching the workforce thin.

The unions are calling for the upgrading of all PDO positions to gazetted Group B status, better promotion regulations, and improved working conditions, citing severe health issues linked to work pressure. Additional demands include enhanced pay scales, equitable transfer policies, and the establishment of a functional grievance authority, akin to those in the police department.

(With inputs from agencies.)