The Odisha Supply Assistants Protest has entered its ninth day, with members of the Odisha State Supply Assistants’ Association continuing their dharna outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The protesters are demanding regularisation of their services, stating that many have been working for more than 14 years while receiving a monthly salary of ₹8,000.
According to the association, more than 3,200 supply assistants have joined the ongoing protest. The demonstrators say they have repeatedly raised their concerns over employment security and service regularisation but have yet to receive a satisfactory response.
The association has maintained that the agitation is not intended to create inconvenience for the public. However, it says the prolonged delay in addressing their demands has left members with little choice but to continue their protest.
Long-Standing Demand for Permanent Appointments
Supply assistants claim they have been serving in the Public Distribution System (PDS) for over a decade and have continued to discharge their responsibilities despite receiving low monthly remuneration. They argue that regularisation is necessary to ensure job security and recognition of their years of service.
The protesters have urged the Odisha government to consider their demand for permanent appointments and improve their service conditions.
Warning Over PDS Operations
The association has cautioned that if its demands remain unaddressed, the agitation may intensify in the coming days. It has also warned that continued protests could eventually affect Public Distribution System (PDS) operations across the state.
The Public Distribution System plays an important role in supplying essential food grains and commodities to eligible beneficiaries. Any prolonged disruption in related services could impact the delivery of these benefits.
Protest Continues
The demonstration remains ongoing outside the Odisha Legislative Assembly as supply assistants await a response from the state government. The association has reiterated that it hopes for a resolution through dialogue but has indicated that it will continue the agitation until a decision is taken on its regularisation demand.
With thousands of employees participating in the protest, attention remains focused on the government’s next move and whether discussions will be initiated to address the concerns raised by the Odisha State Supply Assistants’ Association.
