Day II: Strike of computer operators hits work at govt offices across Haryana

Karnal, July 16

The indefinite strike of computer operators in Haryana entered its second day on Tuesday, causing disruption at government offices across the state. Tehsils, Saral Kendra, various departments at the DC office, SDM office and others are among the worst-affected, with work related to vehicle registration, property registration, driving licence issuance and other public services coming to a standstill.

A majority of the offices wore a deserted look, forcing residents to return home without getting their work done.

“I had an appointment for the registration of land, but had to return without completing it as the computer operators were still on strike. Without the computer operators, no work was being done,” said Sunil Kumar, a resident.

Similarly, Rajeev Kumar, another resident, said the government should make alternative arrangements to ensure that the work is not affected. “I went to Saral Kendra for my work but was surprised to see that the office wore a deserted look. I had no option but to return home without getting my work done,” he added.

The junior programmers and data entry operators of the District Information Technology Society (DITS) refused to budge until their demands were met. They are holding a state-level protest outside the Mini-Secretariat in Karnal.

Under the banner of the Haryana Computer Professionals Sangh, they started their dharna on Monday and announced that they would continue their protest until their demands were met, including job regularisation, budgetary provision for DITS, creation of employee posts, job security until the age of 58 and equal pay for equal work. “We will not resume work until the state government accepts our demands,” said Amit Kumar, a protesting employee.

Seema, another protesting employee, said their demands should be accepted as they had been working at different departments for over 20 years. “The government should consider our demands positively,” she added.

When contacted, Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner, said they were making arrangements for the smooth working of Saral Kendra, tehsils and other offices. “To ensure that the work is not affected, we are making arrangements,” he added.

Alternative arrangements being made

We are making arrangements for the smooth working of Saral Kendra, tehsils and other offices. To ensure that the work is not affected, we are making arrangements. — Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner

No work was done

I had an appointment for the registration of land, but had to return without completing it as the computer operators were still on strike. Without the computer operators, no work was being done. — Sunil Kumar, Resident