Mann Bhatta workers stage protest in Jalandhar

In response to a call given by the Maan Bhatta Workers Joint Front, Punjab, a massive rally was held on Thursday near Dussehra Park in Jalandhar. The rally was organised to remind the Punjab government of the promises made to Maan Bhatta workers. The march headed towards the office of Punjab Minister Mohinder Bhagat.

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Addressing the rally, state leaders of the Front—Mandeep Kaur Bilga, Kulwinder Kaur Amanatpur and Gurjeet Kaur Shahkot—said that before coming to power, the Bhagwant Mann government had promised to double the honorarium of ASHA workers and Mid-Day Meal workers. “However, the government has failed to fulfill this promise. Even after three years, there has not been an increase of a single penny in the meagre salaries of workers. This has worsened financial hardships, making it extremely difficult for us to support families,” the protestors said.

District president of the Democratic Employees Federation, Harinder Dosanjh; general secretary Kulwinder Singh Joshan and Jasvir Singh Sandhu stated that the government had failed to pay Maan Bhatta workers at least the minimum wage and had also not provided the promised free insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh. This has led to widespread frustration among workers across Punjab. They warned of intensifying their stir if their demands are not addressed.