Why Did Police Cane-Charge Protesting Contractual Workers in Patna?
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Synopsis
On September 10 in Patna, a severe clash broke out as police used force against protesting contractual workers. The workers, recently laid off, have been demanding their rights for weeks. This article delves into the details of the incident, the workers' grievances, and the government's response, shedding light on the growing unrest in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Tensions escalated in Patna as police used force against protesting workers.
- Workers are demanding job security and better conditions.
- The agitation has been ongoing for nearly a month.
- Many workers were injured during the police action.
- The government plans to hire new workers, causing further discontent among the laid-off employees.
Patna, Sep 10 (NationPress) Tensions escalated on Wednesday as the police conducted a cane-charge on contractual workers who were protesting near the BJP office. The workers, whose contracts were recently terminated, have been holding a dharna at the Gardanibagh Dharna Sthal for close to a month.
This unrest was sparked by the Bihar government’s decision to lay off approximately 9,000 contract workers in the Revenue and Land Department.
According to the protesters, their demands have been consistently overlooked by the department.
On Wednesday, thousands of workers marched from Gardanibagh to assemble near the BJP office.
Things took a turn for the worse when a confrontation occurred between the police and the demonstrators, resulting in a lathi-charge.
Numerous workers were injured, with some sustaining head injuries. They were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
This incident incited widespread outrage among the workforce, who accused the government of suppressing their movement rather than addressing their grievances.
“We have been peacefully advocating for our rights for weeks, but today the police assaulted us brutally,” lamented protester Sunil Kumar.
The union leaders have denounced the police action and cautioned that the protests will escalate unless the government overturns the termination orders and reinstates the affected employees.
The workers initiated their strike on August 16, demanding job security and improved working conditions.
Officials have suggested that the government intends to recruit new personnel for the vacant positions, igniting further resentment among the dismissed workers.
The protesting workers, who have been on a dharna and hunger strike for nearly a month at Gardanibagh Dharna Sthal, accused the government of neglect.
“This is being labeled a government of good governance, but it resembles British rule. We were on a dharna and hunger strike for a month, yet no government representatives came to engage with us. We waited in vain,” one protester remarked.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the Revenue and Land Reform Department asserted that the contractual workers were repeatedly invited to return to their jobs, but they chose to remain on the dharna.
Point of View
It's crucial to observe the escalating tensions between the government and the contractual workers in Patna. While the government claims to prioritize efficiency, the dismissals and subsequent protests highlight deep-seated issues of job security and worker rights. It's essential for authorities to engage in dialogue and seek solutions that address the concerns of these workers to prevent further unrest and maintain social harmony.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the police cane-charge on workers?
The police cane-charge was a response to escalating tensions during a protest by contractual workers who were demanding the reinstatement of their jobs after the Bihar government terminated around 9,000 contracts.
How long have the workers been protesting?
The contractual workers have been on a dharna and hunger strike for nearly a month at the Gardanibagh Dharna Sthal.
What are the demands of the protesting workers?
The workers are demanding job security, better service conditions, and the reversal of their termination orders.
What injuries were reported during the protest?
Several workers sustained injuries, including some with head wounds, and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Has the government responded to the protests?
While the government has indicated plans to recruit for vacant positions, the protesting workers feel ignored and neglected, leading to increased tensions.
