Chandigarh, May 20 – Known for his outspoken style, Haryana Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij today surprised thousands of members of the All Haryana Power Corporation Worker Union, who had gathered from across the state at Ambala Cantonment for a protest demonstration, by personally reaching their protest site. The union representatives were scheduled to visit Minister Anil Vij’s residence to submit their memorandum, but instead, the Minister himself arrived at the protest venue to receive it.
As soon as he reached the site, Energy Minister Anil Vij walked through the gathering of thousands of employees and directly reached the stage, where he accepted the memorandum from the union office-bearers.
Addressing the employees, Sh. Anil Vij said that his offices are always open for workers. He stated that the union leaders had placed several demands before him, including the major issue related to ex-gratia compensation. He explained that in cases where certain employees die, their families are unable to receive ex-gratia benefits due to the existing five-year service condition. He assured them that efforts would be made to reduce this requirement from five years to two years.
Regarding the union’s second major demand for regularization of contractual employees, Sh. Vij said that the process has already been initiated and the names of such employees are being uploaded on the portal. Similarly, on the demand for risk allowance for employees, the Energy Minister said that he fully agrees with the demand and would strongly pursue the matter with the government along with the employees to ensure that they receive the allowance.
Energy Minister Anil Vij also assured the workers that proper safety equipment and tools would be provided to employees for carrying out their duties safely.
On other pending demands of the employees, Sh. Vij said that a joint meeting of worker union representatives and departmental officers would soon be convened to discuss the issues in detail.
*Employees Applauded as Energy Minister Added Himself to Their Slogan*
While addressing the union members, Energy Minister Anil Vij referred to the slogan being raised by the employees: “Har zor zulm ki takkar mein, sangharsh hamara naara hai” (In the face of every oppression and injustice, struggle is our slogan). He humorously suggested adding another line to it, saying: “Har zor zulm ki takkar mein, sangharsh hamara naara hai, Anil Vij tumhara hai” (In every fight against injustice, struggle is our slogan, and Anil Vij stands with you). As soon as the Minister uttered these lines, the union members responded with loud applause and appreciated his gesture enthusiastically.