Congress backs protest by civic, fire dept workers in Narnaul

Narnaul: Haryana Congress chief Rao Narender Singh on Saturday extended support to the protesting municipal council and fire department employees in Narnaul, accusing the BJP-led state govt of neglecting workers' rights and failing to address their long-pending demands.Visiting the protest site, Rao Narender described the employees' demands as "genuine and justified" and alleged that the state govt had consistently ignored the concerns of civic and fire service workers despite their continuous struggle for job security, fair wages and social protection.Addressing the gathering, the Congress leader said employees across Haryana were feeling "betrayed" due to what he termed as the govt's anti-worker policies. He stated that sanitation workers, municipal staff and fire department employees had been raising their issues for a long time, but instead of resolving them, the govt was allegedly sidelining their concerns."Workers are being made to perform their duties relentlessly, yet they are deprived of permanent employment, proper salaries, social security and other basic facilities," he said.Rao Narender claimed that every section of society — including employees, farmers, youth and traders — was suffering because of the govt's "people-opposed policies". He alleged that the govt remained focused on publicity and tall claims while the ground reality for employees continued to deteriorate.Reiterating the Congress stand, he said the party had always stood firmly with employees and would continue to fight for their dignity and rights. He assured the agitating workers that Congress would raise their voice "from the streets to the assembly".The Haryana Congress chief also demanded immediate resolution of the pending demands of municipal council and fire dept employees, regularisation of contractual workers and an end to what he called injustice against govt staff.Highlighting the risks faced by firefighters, Rao Narender said fire service personnel risk their lives while protecting citizens and serving society round the clock. He demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a govt job for a family member of firefighters who recently lost their lives while on duty.Employee union leaders and Congress workers also addressed the gathering and vowed to intensify the movement until the demands of the workers are fulfilled.