The services at the local suvidha kendras came to a standstill as employees of the centres started a statewide indefinite strike on Friday.
Members of the Sewa Kendra Employees’ Welfare Association announced a pen-down protest, accusing the state government of “ignoring their long-pending demands”.
The workers, recruited through private firms, allege they continue to receive meagre salaries despite years of service. They claimed their pay cheques were often as low as Rs 10,000 per month, which weren’t disbursed in a timely manner either.
Employees argue the government had promised to regularise outsourced staff and ensure “equal pay for equal work,” but the assurances remain unfulfilled.
“We want permanent status, fair wages and monthly salary payments without delay,” said one of the protesting employees. She added workers had been fighting for years but their pleas had gone unheard.
The strike has disrupted functioning at administrative offices across the district, where suvidha kendras handle a chunk of public services. Residents seeking birth and death certificates, driving licences, revenue records and other essential documents were left waiting in long queues, only to be told that operations had been suspended.
