DJB employees protest at Jhandewalan
DJB employees protest at Jhandewalan
Demand revocation of suspension of 10 Meter-Readers
New Delhi, Dec. 13 (Delhi Crown): Thousands of employees of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) protested at their Jhandewalan office on Monday against the suspension of ten Meter Readers last week on the directions of Delhi Water Minister Satyendra Jain.
The protesting employees demanded immediate revocation of the suspension orders.
“The employees of the private agencies are left with a simple warning, but the permanent employees of DJB are suspended even without given any notice or asking for their explanation,” said one of the office bearers of the DJB Workers Union.
He further stated that the Delhi Government was planning to totally privatise the DJB as a large amount of work has been outsourced, and thousands of employees hired through private agencies in different zones.
“Just like the liquor business, the Kejriwal Government is hellbent in privatising the DJB soon. We are against this. Water is a basic necessity for people in any city. Today Kejriwal is giving water free of cost, but once the DJB is privatised, water will surely become costly,” added the Union leader.
The DJB had on Saturday suspended ten Meter-Readers and also terminated 20 Meter-Readers hired by a private agency.
According to minister Satyendra Jain, who is also the chairman of the DJB, a notice was served to the agency given the contact of noting Meter-Reading in the national capital.
Orders were also given to lodge FIRs against all the 30 personnel.
Over the few months a lot of complaints had been made regarding incorrect Meter-Reading from various areas in Delhi. Following the complaints, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had ordered a detailed enquiry.
A decision was taken that a consumer’s bill can’t exceed 1.5 times of his/her last bill, and in case it happens it will be clarified by the DJB.
