MPHW protest completes seven days at Kathunangal toll plazaFight to the finish: Sitting out in cold, they are anticipating cozy days ahead

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News service

Amritsar, December 22

It’s been the toughest seven days of life for around 250 female contractual multipurpose health workers (MPHWs) protesting at the toll plaza near Kathunangal on the Amritsar-Pathankot road for better wages and working conditions.

The ‘do-or-die’ spirit, the pain of being not recognised for their services and the success of farmers, who have recently returned from Delhi borders after a year of agitation, has helped these workers in continuing with their protest despite the harsh weather conditions.

Some of them are accompanied by their husbands and even children. Local farmers have been helping them with logistics, but even then it is not easy to stay out in the open. For protection against the harsh weather, they only have the shed over the toll booths.

Amarjit, an agitator, said: “The local farmers and unions have been of immense help. They treat us like we are their family. At least they are not indifferent like other officials and politicians.”

She said the local units of farmers’ associations had provided them with quilts and mattresses. The requirement for food and tea are also being taken care of by them.

Another protester Suman said: “We will fight till our last breath. We have no other option.” She said she was not ready to return home until her dignity was restored. She said it was unbearable for the first two-three days, but now she feels she was becoming accustomed to the cold and harsh conditions.

Sukhbir Kaur, vice-president of the Contractual Multipurpose Health Workers’ Union, said: “The department already has enough regular posts vacant, where contractual workers can be adjusted. Moreover, the 50 per cent financial burden has to be shared by the Central government.” She said the government was just indifferent.

The union had a meeting with the Health Minister on Tuesday. “They only have assurances. We have held many such meetings, but nothing comes out of these,” said Sukhbir Kaur, adding that now they have made up their mind and decided to fight to the finish.