Jail staff seek pay parity with cops

Sofraird

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posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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BHUBANESWAR: Jail employees across the State began a token protest seeking pay parity with the police personnel. Under the banner ..

BHUBANESWAR: Jail employees across the State began a token protest seeking pay parity with the police personnel. Under the banner of All Orissa Jail Employees Association, over 2,000 employees, mainly warders, of the 91 prisons of the State sported black badges to convey a message to the State Government that they deserve the service benefits which the police men are entitled to.
The association was of the view that their work was as much significant as the police and involved risk too. However, they have been ignored over the years and fallen behind so far as pay packages and service benefits are concerned. In fact, there virtually is no difference in the salary bands of jailers, subjailers and assistant jailers. The jail staff have threatened to go on hunger strike from July 3 if the Government did not pay any heed to their demands. They refused to stay off duty during the protest. Sources in the Directorate of Prisons said, the demands of the association have been placed before the Government for its perusal.

Apart from the salary and service benefits, the jail staff have also sought increased security for them. Since they have to deal with dreaded criminals, historysheeters, gangsters and Maoists, the jail employees said their lives are vulnerable and should be provided with firearms.