Contractual employees working under Assam’s Panchayat and Rural Development (P&RD) Department have started a large and coordinated protest across the state, demanding job security and better wages. Workers from different districts gathered in large numbers over the past week, saying they have been serving the government for many years but still do not receive basic rights or protection in their jobs.
The protests took place in many districts, including Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Golaghat, Hailakandi, Morigaon, Tamulpur and Goalpara. Employees held sit-in demonstrations, stopped work, and submitted memorandums to district commissioners. The strike was organised by the All Assam P&RD Contractual Employees’ Association. The programme began with block-level protests from November 11 to 17, followed by district-level sit-ins on November 18 and 19.
The agitating workers have placed four main demands before the Assam government. They want job security until the age of 60, saying many of them have been working for several years without any clarity about their future. They are also asking for an increase of ₹30,000 in their monthly pay so that their salaries match the work they do. Along with this, they have demanded a 10 percent annual increment and a proper HR policy that clearly defines their rights and responsibilities. 
Many employees said they feel invisible in the system. They pointed out that they handle important rural development work, yet their jobs remain insecure and their salaries remain low.
In Barpeta, a large group of contractual employees gathered in front of the District Council office and said that they cannot continue working without any job protection. They said they do the same work as regular employees but do not receive the same benefits.
In Bongaigaon, protesters said they have served the state for a long time and should not be treated as temporary labour. One protester asked why the government considers their service important but does not give them the rights that come with essential work.
Golaghat saw one of the biggest gatherings, with nearly 300 employees joining the demonstration. Workers chanted slogans and demanded that the government take responsibility for their condition. They said they are tired of waiting for the system to recognise their contribution.
In Hailakandi, nearly 200 workers joined the sit-in protest. They said that the government continues to depend on their work but does not acknowledge their long service. Similar protests were held in Morigaon, Tamulpur and other parts of the state, where contractual staff observed two days of complete strike.
In many districts, employees repeated that they are not asking for special treatment. Instead, they said they are simply asking for equal pay for equal work. A worker from Tamulpur said that the demand for ROP, annual increments and an HR policy is not unreasonable. Workers from Nagrijuli and Goreswar also said they would continue their agitation if the government does not respond soon.
The employees have sent a memorandum to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, requesting his direct intervention. They said the government has spoken about protecting the rights of contractual workers in the past, but no concrete steps have been taken so far.
In their memorandum, they warned that the protest will become stronger if the state does not take immediate action. As demonstrations continue across multiple districts, the P&RD Department is now under pressure to address the situation. The employees have made it clear that they are ready for a long struggle unless the government assures them job security, fair salaries and a clear policy that protects their future.
