Even as the Mamata Banerjee-led state government has proposed an increase in the remuneration of civic volunteers in the interim Budget, BJP leaders in Siliguri on Monday launched a campaign highlighting alleged neglect of civic volunteers following the death of one such volunteer at an Armed Forces training centre in Fulbari on Sunday.
Siliguri MLA and Chief Whip of the Opposition, Sankar Ghosh, staged a demonstration near the Gandhi statue in Siliguri town, while Dabgram–Fulbari MLA Shikha Chatterjee visited the training centre to assess the circumstances surrounding the death and ascertain the exact cause.
Addressing the protest, Mr Ghosh claimed that the deceased civic volunteer, a resident of Cooch Behar belonging to a poor family, fell seriously ill due to excessive workload and mental stress. He alleged that the volunteer had taken a loan of Rs 850 to pay training fees and was under severe pressure as he was unable to repay the amount.
Launching a scathing attack on the state government and the police administration, Mr Ghosh alleged that the training centre lacked basic medical infrastructure. “There was no facility for immediate medical treatment, nor was an ambulance readily available. Had the authorities shifted him to a hospital in time, his life could have been saved,” he said.
Demanding a thorough inquiry into the incident, the BJP leader questioned the rationale behind charging training fees from civic volunteers. “A monthly remuneration of Rs 10,000 is grossly inadequate to run a family, especially for those from economically weaker sections. How can the authorities justify charging Rs 850 as training fees?” he asked.
Mr Ghosh said he had taken up the matter with the Leader of Opposition and reiterated the party’s demand for a substantial hike in remuneration. “Although the state government has proposed an increase, civic volunteers are expected to receive it only from April. There is also apprehension of further delay if the Election Commission of India intervenes,” he said.
“If we come to power, our government will ensure proper welfare and dignity for civic volunteers,” he added.