Multiple protests mark the day in Kolar district

Demands for water supply, minimum wages and justice

Organisations and individuals staged a protest on Monday in different places in the district to have their demands met.

Gulpet residents staged a protest in front of the Shaneshwar temple, displaying empty pots. State Grama Panchayat Employees Association members staged a stir in front of the Zilla Panchayat demanding minimum wages.

Lastly, Ramachandrappa, the censured principal of the Gaunipalli government PU college in Srinivaspur accused the PU Education Department Deputy Director of giving false information, which resulted in his suspension.

Water problem

Residents of Gulpet alleged that the tanker supplying water to them comes only once in three days.

“Though a borewell was sunk six months ago, the pumpset and motor have not been connected. Our repeated requests to the City Municipal Council to fix this have fallen on deaf ears. We even complained to the council commissioner some days ago, but have not received any answer or action yet,” said residents.

The protestors warned that if the problem is not solved soon, protests will be intensified.
Sujatha, Nagaveni, Roopa, Anitha, Jayanthi, Radha, Krishnaveni and others were present.

Minimum wages

Gram Panchayat employees staged a protest demanding that minimum wages be
fixed.

According to a government order, Rs 5,735 should be given to clerks and computer assistants, Rs 5,514 to watermen, electrician and anganwadi teachers, Rs 5,403 to peons and attenders and Rs 4,300 to sweepers.

A protest march began from the inspection bungalow to the Zilla Panchayat office. The employee’s demands also included implementation of a provident fund and other monetary facilities. Protestors also called for action to be taken against officers discriminating against subordinates.

Principal seeks justice

N Ramachandrappa, principal of Gaunipalli government PU college in Srinivaspur staged a protest in front of Deputy Directorate of PU (DDPU) Education office, seeking justice against his suspension. He accused the PU Education Department Deputy Director of giving false information and tampering with records.

According to Ramachandrappa, he was suspended after demanding action against the previous principal of Gaunipalli college, for embezzling funds. “There was a misappropriation of Rs 2 lakh. I told the DDPU to take action. Instead, I was told to be quiet and was promised money. When I refused, I was suspended with false charges,” he said.

Ramachandrappa said that he had been framed by the DDPU —with the help of the present principle-in-charge. “I will continue protest for two more days,” Ramachandrappa added.