A dharna in Kota that is going on for 14 years

KOTA: A peaceful dharna since October 8, 2001 (over 14 years), continues outside Instrumentation Ltd (IL), Kota. Their issues are unheard, time and nature a spectator. Many among them have died or moved out of the city, their numbers have dwindled but not their spirit.
“You will find us in the open, under the tree, be it rain or sunshine. A group on protest with a strength which varies from 5 to 25,” said CL Nama, retired employee of Instrumentation Ltd, Kota.“Not a single day has gone by when we didn’t hold dharna from 10am to 2pm, we have been persistent in our protest. A register is maintained to keep track. Our issues are non-payment arrears of pay revisions of 1992 and 1997,” said CL Nama.
Even now, employees working are given salary a month or two late, said an employee of IL, speaking on condition of anonymity. “My salary is Rs 35,000 on paper but I get Rs 10,000 or Rs 12,000 per month. The salary slip mentions it as salary in advance, while the balance salary gets accumulated each month. I have arrears of over Rs 3 lakh due to me. Don’t take my name as I am very senior and am due for retirement in a few years,” he said. “I get Rs 10,000 while my actual salary is more. Balance salary has not been given and things have gone downhill since 1992,” said another employee, asking not to be named.
“Those who retired this March have been given no or zero settlement,” said Daya Ram, general secretary, Instrumentation Retired Employees Association, Kota.