Rural postal staff protest; services paralysed

Rural postal employees took out a protest march on Tuesday, under the banner of All India Gramin Dak Sevaks Union (AIGDSU) demanding the implementation of the Kamlesh Chandra Committee report recommendations. The report has recommended regularisation of services and fixed working hours.

Union members who have been protesting in the premises of the Head Post Office for the 16th day now, took out a rally in support of their demands and submitted a memorandum.

In the memorandum addressed to the prime minister, union members have requested the recommendations of the Kamlesh Chandra report regarding wage structure and service rules be implemented.

The report recommendations were submitted in November 2015. During negotiations on April 24, 2017, the Postal department had assured to meet the demands of the employees, but the inordinate delay has led to frustration among employees.

They have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene see to it that the report is implemented. Failing which, they would be forced to continue their indefinite strike that commenced on May 22.

Union Belagavi Unit President Ashok Sutar, B R Mahajik, P R Patil and other office bearers led the rally.

Strike by the rural postal employees has paralysed postal services in the rural areas.