VASCO
An estimated 180 contract meter readers in the electricity department have been working without salaries across the State as their contracts have expired in October.
These workers have been unofficially performing their duties in the hope that the government will soon renew their contracts and regularise their employment.
For these contractual workers, the reality has been grim, with no salaries, no job security, and no clarity on their future.
High risks, no security
Continuing to work without a valid contract has placed these workers in a precarious position. They face significant risks as they travel from house to house collecting meter readings. In the event of an accident, they would be ineligible for insurance or government compensation, leaving their families vulnerable.
“Without a contract, we have no security or support. If anything happens to us while on duty, the government will not take responsibility as we do not have a valid contract,” lamented one worker, who expressed deep concern about his family’s welfare.
No contracts as yet
According to sources in the electricity department, the expiry of the contracts in October has created operational challenges.
“Even though they are contractual, their role is crucial for the functioning of the department. We have requested our higher-ups to renew their contracts, but we cannot pay them or compel them to work without valid agreements,” said an official.
Struggling to survive
Meanwhile, contract workers shared their frustration on having to work without pay.
“We’ve been working for two months without pay, relying only on verbal assurances from seniors. Initially, they told us our contracts would be automatically renewed, but that never happened,” complained one contract worker.
For many workers, the situation has become dire.
“It’s impossible to support a family without a salary. Our work is tedious and risky, and all we have are empty promises from authorities. Officers who once assured us of contract renewals now say they have no updates,” lamented another worker.
Hope for New Year
Despite their hardships, the workers remain hopeful that the government will address their plight in the coming year.
“We are clinging to the hope that the New Year will bring a ray of hope and our contracts will be renewed. But until then, we are left in uncertainty and financial stress,” said a worker.
The contract meter readers have made a heartfelt appeal to the government to recognise their contributions and address their concerns promptly.
Their demand is simple: contract renewal and job regularisation to ensure a secure livelihood for themselves and their families.
As the year draws to a close, these workers wait anxiously, hoping for decisive government action to bring an end to their struggles and ensure fair treatment for those who continue to serve the public, even in the face of adversity.
