Protesting against the state government for not increasing salaries and regularising their jobs, the members of United Front of Punjab (UFP), on Saturday, continued their strike at Zila Parishad Complex Ludhiana. Meanwhile, the members warned state government to intensify their protest after the death of their colleague who committed suicide in Bathinda on Friday.
The members of union are pharmacists and class-four employees of rural health centers or civil veterinary hospitals. They alleged that the state government is responsible for the death of Jaswinder Singh, a pharmacist at civil veterinary hospital, who committed suicide at dispensary.
Gurmeet Singh, convener of Rural Health Pharmacists Action Committee, a part of UFP said, Jaswinder had claimed in his suicide note that the state government was responsible for his death as their salaries were not increased despite promises.
He said the employees were going through tough times as a pharmacist gets Rs 7,000 per month, while a class-four employee gets Rs 3,000 per month. He said the state government made promises many times but nothing had been done so far.
Meanwhile, Jot Ram, member of union, said they would intensify their protest if their demands were not fulfilled. A state-level protest rally would be staged in Patiala on June 24, he added. The union members, who were on strike since June 1, had earlier announced to gherao Punjab cabinet minister Surjit Singh Rakhra on June 24. But, despite several attempts Surjit Singh Rakhra could not be contacted.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, Jot Ram, member of union, said they would intensify their protest if their demands were not fulfilled. A state-level protest rally would be staged in Patiala on June 24, he added. The union members, who were on strike since June 1, had earlier announced to gherao Punjab cabinet minister Surjit Singh Rakhra on June 24. But, despite several attempts Surjit Singh Rakhra could not be contacted.
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