Village Defence Force (VDF)s demand pay hike
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23 2011:
Highlighting meagre salary and absence of specific service rules, All Manipur Village Defence Force Welfare Association has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister urging immediate attention and suitable remedial measures.
The memorandum reportedly handed over to the CM on october 21 pointed out that over 10,000 VDF personnel deployed throughout the State are entitled to only Rs 3000 monthly salary since 2009 .
Stating that the salary figure is after deduction of Rs 570 ration money, the memorandum said task assigned to VDF personnel are similar to that of police constables and MR/IRB riflemen inspite of the latter groups enjoying monthly salary in the range of Rs 14,000 to Rs 16,000 since implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendation.
The meagre amount provided to the VDF personnel do not commensurate with the heavy task entrusted to VDFs who are engaged in patrolling, ROP, QRT, RP escort and traffic duties over and above in the maintenance of law and order, the Association listed in the memorandum.
This disparity in the service with arms is causing multifarious problems for survival, it maintained and appealed to the CM for enhancing the monthly salary to Rs 10,000 .
With regard to service condition, it asserted that complications and confusions arise while rendering service together and under the command of State forces and urged the CM to frame specific service rules, terms and conditions to encourage VDF personnel strive for excellence in duty and expect promotions.
The other proposal enlisted in the memorandum concerns facility for medical reimbursement/relief with the assertion that VDF personnel are not immuned from misfortunes.
With no medical relief or financial assistance extended provided by the Government it would be impossible to bear medical/treatment expenses out of the meagre salary, it added .