Assam: District administration employees in Dhubri stage protest demanding better pay

Government employees from Dhubri district voiced their discontent by staging a protest dharna outside the district commissioner's office on Thursday. The demonstration, organized by the All Assam District Administration Employees' Association (AADAEA), is part of a larger state-wide agitation seeking improved pay and other essential benefits.

The protest, scheduled for December 21 and 22, was decided upon during the 4th executive meeting of AADAEA held at Tezpur on December 3. Employees at the Dhubri Branch expressed dissatisfaction with the government's perceived neglect of their long-standing demands, which primarily include a separate grade pay, a salary structure based on educational qualifications, and the creation of essential posts within the district commissioner's office.

One protester stated, "The government has recognized us as district administrative staff, akin to secretariat administrative staff, but has not extended any corresponding benefits. Despite working under tremendous pressure and workload, our remuneration does not reflect our contributions. We have been bringing these concerns to the authorities for years, but unfortunately, no concrete actions have been taken."

The AADAEA has issued a warning, asserting that if their demands are not met by December 28, they will escalate their protest with a day-long dharna on December 29.