Panchayat Samiti members call off strike after talks with Minister

Bhubaneswar: The agitating Panchayat Samiti members on Tuesday called off their strike after the Odisha government assured to fulfil their demands.

Panchayati Raj Minister Pradeep Maharathy assured them of fulfilling two out of their 10-point charter of demands.

“We will take measures to hike the monthly remuneration of Panchayat Samiti members. Measures will also be taken to ensure accommodation in Panchayat offices,” said Minister Pradeep Maharathy.

The Panchayat Samiti members were lathi-charged by the police on Monday for trying to gherao the State Assembly over fulfilment of several demands including benefits at par with sarpanches.

On Monday, the Samiti members under the banner of Panchayat Samiti Members’ Association staged the demonstration demanding special quarters inside gram panchayat offices, increase in monthly remuneration from Rs 1,880 to Rs 30,000 for elected members and monthly pension after completion of five years as Samiti member in office like MLAs among many others.

They also demanded that the State Government provide insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh for anyone who dies on duty.