Jalpaiguri, 21st October: The employees of West Bengal College Casual Employees Association blocked the Jalpaiguri-Siliguri state highway in support of various demands including permanent jobs. The organization’s Jalpaiguri branch workers have been staging hunger strikes outside the gate of Anand Chandra College, since October 13.
Many casual workers in the district have been working as temporary workers for the past 20-25 years. The guest teachers and casual workers were recruited together. Although the guest teachers were made permanent in their jobs, the casual workers alleged that they were deprived of job permanency.
For the last five years, there has been a movement across the state demanding government recognition for jobs. The state education department and the education minister have repeatedly failed to keep their promises. Hence, a demonstration was staged today.
Uttam Some, Jalpaiguri district president of West Bengal College Casual Employees Association, said that they are on a hunger strike for the last nine days. However, no government official has inquired about them.