Diploma engineers’ protest continues for 11th day; delegation meets finance sec

Dehradun: Around 4,000 diploma engineers continued their protest for the 11th day over their 27-point demands, with key issues being pay anomalies, promotion policies and implementation of old pension scheme. A delegation met finance secretary Dilip Jawalkar on Thursday, but claimed to continue until their demands are addressed.While demonstrations began on March 23, the engineers escalated their agitation into a work strike earlier this week. The strike, called by Uttarakhand Diploma Engineers Mahasangh, has affected operations across multiple govt departments statewide. Regional general secretary Virendra Singh Gusain said that the protest is being observed in all districts. "We had a constructive meeting with the finance secretary, but the agitation will continue until concrete action is taken," Gusain said.Officials reported disruptions in essential services, including Public Works Department (PWD) and irrigation operations. Several major infrastructure projects have also been impacted, including works related to the Char Dham yatra, Kumbh preparations, Song Dam, Jamrani Dam, sewer systems, and ongoing road construction under the state plan. In Dehradun, members of the association staged protests outside the PWD headquarters, further intensifying pressure on the administration.