Green card holders stage demo in front of Odisha assembly

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 18:

Thousands of members of Odisha Sabuja Patrika Mahasangha (OSPK) today took out a massive rally and staged a massive demonstration in front of the state assembly from 11 AM till 4 PM demanding fulfilment of their 11-point charter of demands.

Besides their main demand of Rs 1000 monthly grant to unemployed card holders, they also demanded facilitation of land to landless card holders and facilitation of housing loans at low interest rates to card holders.

The protesters held a meeting in front of the assembly and submitted a memorandum to departmental officer.

“Just like the government green card holder officials, we want the unemployed rural green card holders to receive a special increment in terms of aid. We also demand a monthly grant of Rs 1000 to unemployed card holders. We had gheraoed the assembly to get this message to the government,” said Laxmi Devi, President of Odisha Sabuja Patrika Mahasangha.

“We had also discussed with the Health Secretary on this matter. He has assured us to consider the demand, if there is any such provision in the green card. We also met with the Speaker of the house, who also was very supportive. We expect the demands to be fulfilled. However, we would gather women from all over the state and continue our agitation, should the government neglect it,” she added.

Later in the day, taking a tough stance, the Mahasangha warned the state government, “We expect the Chief Minister to take a fresh look at the matter and act accordingly. This is our last complaint in front of the government. We would be able to gather women from every nook and corner of the state and snatch our rights, if our demands remain unfulfilled,” said an OSPK leader.