Protesting Powercom, Transco workers try to gherao minister’s office in Kharar

Their attempt, however, was thwarted by police that were deployed in heavy numbers; subsequently, the protesters staged a demonstration near the Bhago Majra toll plaza, highlighting their long-standing demand for service regularisation

High drama was witnessed in Mundi Kharar after employees of the Powercom and Transco Contract Workers’ Union tried to gherao the office of cabinet minister and Kharar MLA Anmol Gagan Mann on Monday.

Members of the Powercom and Transco Contract Workers’ Union holding a protest near Bhago Majra toll plaza in Kharar. (HT Photo)

Their attempt, however, was thwarted by police that were deployed in heavy numbers. Subsequently, the protesters staged a demonstration near the Bhago Majra toll plaza, highlighting their long-standing demand for service regularisation.

Initially, police detained the protesters and transported them in two buses to beyond Kharar boundaries. However, they regrouped at Bhago Majra.

The protesters accused the AAP-led Punjab government of making false promises of permanent employment. They said despite dedicated service, numerous Powercom and Transco workers continued to toil as contract employees, receiving meagre salaries.

The protesters, joined by their family members, commenced their march from Kharar bus stand, only to be intercepted by the administration and the police, who ultimately brought the march to a halt.

Union’s state president Balhar Singh and state general secretary Rajesh Kumar Mor said, “We have been protesting for the past three months, yet cabinet minister Anmol Gagan Mann has remained indifferent to our appeals. Both the Punjab government and the Powercom management have deceived contract workers by not regularising their employment.”