The Arunachal Pradesh Trade Union Federation (APTUF) has threatened to launch phase-wise hunger strikes against the government’s failure to reinstate 75 terminated employees under the EARAS scheme of the Agriculture Department, despite repeated appeals.
The APTUF has termed the inaction a disregard for the livelihood and dignity of the affected workers and has demanded a written re-engagement order by 23 January. Failing this, it has announced a three-day hunger strike from 24 January, followed by an indefinite hunger strike, including protests at the office premises of the Director of Agriculture.
The government needs to respond promptly and address the grievances. It should not wait until individuals are forced to threaten drastic action before deciding to act.
The authorities must take time to logically explain why 75 people were removed from their positions and what steps are being taken to resolve the issue. “Hire and fire at will,” especially when a scheme ends or due to a lack of required updated skills, should not be the motto of any job provider.