Forest workers end agitation after demands including risk allowance are accepted

The strike by forest guards and rangers, which had been ongoing for the last seven days at Gandhinagar's Satyagraha Chhavni, came to an end today. According to a report by ABP Asmita, following positive discussions with the government on the primary demands of the forest workers, the employees have announced the withdrawal of their agitation.

To resolve this dispute, an extremely important and detailed meeting was held between Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, senior officials of the Forest Department, and representatives of the forest workers' organisations. During this meeting, mutual consensus was reached on most of the issues raised by the forest workers. Notably, the government has accepted the demands of the forest workers regarding risk allowance, cadre, and uniforms.

Forest Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that the State Government is completely sensitive towards the performance and reasonable demands of the forest employees. He assured that the employees of the Forest Department work continuously day and night for the protection of forests and wildlife, even in extremely adverse and difficult conditions. It is due to this dedicated performance that the security of forest resources and wildlife has been ensured in the state today.

Minister Modhwadia further added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat Government is always committed to taking decisions in the interest of small employees and with sympathy towards them. This important meeting was convened specifically following the special instructions of the Chief Minister, in which discussions regarding the employees' demands were held, leading to a pleasant conclusion.

However, some issues remain pending. The Forest Minister clarified that to resolve certain problems, it is necessary to obtain approval from the 'Finance Department' and the 'General Administration Department'. By following the appropriate procedures as per rules, these remaining issues will also be resolved promptly in the near future. This positive stance of the government has been met with great enthusiasm among the employees of the Forest Department.

During this agitation, employees of the forest guard and beat guard cadres had presented various demands. Following this seven-day strike at Satyagraha Chhavni, taking into account the fruitful discussions between the government and representatives of the employees' association, the employees' union has officially given consent to end the agitation.

As consensus was reached on important issues such as risk allowance and cadre by the government, the forest workers deemed it appropriate to end the agitation. Forest Department officials also described this meeting as positive and assured that a positive solution would be brought to the remaining issues.