ITANAGAR, 5 Nov: A nationwide protest was held by the employees of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) under the administrative control of various host organisations, other than the ICAR, on Thursday, demanding implementation of a ‘one nation, one KVK’ policy as per the recommendations of the Paroda High Power Committee and “to bring to an end to the discrimination meted out by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).”
The strike, called by the National Forum of KVK and the AICRP, was observed at over 600 KVKs under host organisations other than the ICAR. It witnessed participation of more than 7,000 employees, scientists, technical staffers and administrative personnel, holding placards and banners, and raising slogans against the ICAR’s discriminatory policies.
According to a press release issued by the forum’s state unit, the protest was a culmination of the longstanding grievances of the non-ICAR KVK employees, who have been alleging unfairness in pay scales, promotions and other service conditions as compared to KVKs under the ICAR.
The forum sought “immediate action from the ICAR and intervention of central government for resolving our legitimate demands.” It expressed hope that the intervention of the central government as well as state governments would bring justice and solutions to the issues raised by the KVK employees.
