NIT Silchar Temporary Workers’ Protest for Permanent Employment

National Institute of Technology, Silchar, also known as NIT Silchar, was established in 1967 as Regional Engineering College and upgraded to NIT in 2002. Many employees here are temporary, and a recent revelation has brought to light that some of these temporary workers have been serving since 1983.

On Tuesday, the NIT Workers Union, comprised of temporary workers from NIT Silchar, initiated an indefinite protest against the NIT administration, demanding permanent employment status. Alongside this primary demand, they have listed few other requests. They have surrounded the administrative building and declared that the protest will persist until their demands are met.

The workers expressed their frustration, having served for decades without receiving permanent status. Some have passed away with unfulfilled hopes, while others are on the brink of retirement. Financial struggles in such situations make it challenging to support their families. The workers question why they are subjected to such uncertainties, emphasizing that they were promised permanent status, which only a few received, leaving the majority in limbo.

The workers question the logic of appointing them if they are deemed unsuitable for permanent roles. They stress that the entire appointment process adhered to governmental guidelines and that the Guwahati High Court ordered the institution twice to prioritize their consideration. Allegedly, the Board of Governors also instructed the authorities to grant permanent status to these workers first.

Accusing the administration of hiding the notifications from these bodies, the Workers Union states that this compelled them to launch the protest, vowing to continue even if it means enduring hardships. Starting with 124 temporary workers, the number has dwindled to 93 due to retirements or deaths without obtaining permanent status. The workers feel neglected by NIT administration, asserting that promises were made without any substantial actions.

The workers demand that, before appointing new staff, the institution must grant them permanent status. They accuse the institution of promoting nepotism, claiming that relatives of professors and other workers secure jobs while they remain in temporary positions.

One of their demands is the return of money collected from locals for the recruitment process, which allegedly never finished. They question why the funds have not been refunded yet and insist on its prompt return.

Furthermore, the Workers’ Union seeks clarification from the administration regarding the choice of NTA for Grade 3 and 4 post selections and why training for these positions has commenced when the appointment process is still incomplete.

The NIT Workers’ Union remains steadfast in their demands, prepared to prolong the protest until their requests are fulfilled. While primarily focusing on employment status, they also advocate for the return of funds collected from locals for recruitment processes.