De-addiction centre staff on a warpath

Tarn Taran: The state government-run de-addiction centres remained closed for the entire day on Saturday as the employees protested holding black flags in their hands. Rajwinder Singh, district president of Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Employees’ Union, Punjab, and others addressed the agitating employees at Tharu centre. The leaders condemned the state government for not regularising their services though they had put in more than seven years’ service in the Health Department. He said the organisation had given a call to observe ‘Slavery Day’ on Independence Day, as the state government was hell bent upon ruining their life. He said they were given meagre salary though they work for full day with sincerity. Patients faced a tough time and had to cover long distance to take medicine, as few centres remained opened. Patients of Tharu came to Tarn Taran and that of Bhagupur approached Harike. Those from Miandwind came to Khadoor Sahib centre to take their medicines. There were total 20,000 patients in the district, who are getting treatment at these centres. oc