VDF personnel urge pay hike, service regularisation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 24 2020:
Highlighting the grievances of the Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel, the All Manipur VDF Guardian Association has submitted memoranda to the Governor and Chief Minister today.
Appealing to Governor Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N Biren Singh to address its demands, the association mentioned mat as many as 10,050 VDF personnel are engaged in the State attached to police and various sectors/offices since 2008 .
They are engaged 24 hours a day at various departments to control and maintain law and order at railway station Jiribam, Manipur Central jail (Sajiwa), banks, Government offices/buildings, MLAs/Ministers' residences, police stations and outposts.
However, they enjoy remuneration of only Rs 7,500 plus Rs 2,000 ration money, which is difficult for them to manage and run their families, said the association.
Stating that the VDF personnel are holding arms and ammunition when carrying out their duties, the association said that they should be granted arms allowance.
As per the terms and conditions of engagement of VDF personnel and as per the Police Act, they are to perform the same duties as Police/MR/IRB.
Therefore the State Government may consider granting them 13 months pay and washing allowances, further said the memorandum.
The,VDF personnel have now completed 12 years of service, and as such they should be regularised, the association said.