From Black Badges to Work Boycott: Revenue Field Officers Warn of Mass Leave from July 1

Nuapada, June 28 The Nuapada District Revenue Field Officers’ Association has intensified its protest against the State Government over the non-fulfilment of its long-pending demands. As part of the first phase of the agitation, members of the association have been performing their duties while wearing black badges since June 22. The association has warned that if their demands are not addressed by June 30, all Revenue Field Officers will proceed on mass leave and launch an indefinite work boycott from July 1. A total of 44 Revenue Field Officers across Nuapada district have joined the agitation. The protest has received the support of Revenue Inspectors (RIs), Additional Revenue Inspectors (ARIs), and Revenue Supervisors, with demonstrations being held at all Tahasil and Revenue Inspector offices across the district. The ongoing protest has already started affecting the normal functioning of revenue offices. The association’s key demands include restructuring of the revenue cadre, provision of basic infrastructure such as uninterrupted electricity and internet connectivity in all revenue offices, payment of permanent travelling allowance, filling up of vacant Group-‘D’ posts, and increasing staff strength to reduce the growing workload. According to the association, the shortage of manpower has significantly increased work pressure, making it difficult to deliver timely public services. The association alleged that despite repeatedly bringing these issues to the notice of the State Government and the district administration, no concrete action has been taken. As a mark of protest, members have also withdrawn from all official communication groups. They have appealed to the government to resolve their demands by June 30, failing which they will begin mass leave and suspend official work from July 1. The agitation is being led by District President Rambilas Sagaria, Vice-Presidents Kiran Sahu and Rakhuram Mashra, General Secretary Kshirasindhu Bag, Joint Secretary Ramnath Mishra, Organising Secretaries Ananta Nial and Ajit Naik, Cultural Secretary Arun Agrawal, Office Secretary Rabina Majhi, Women Secretary Madhumita Padhi, Media Secretary Premananda Sunani, Treasurer Surendra Meher, along with Mukesh Kumar Majhi, Umakanta Bhatta, and other members of the association. The association reiterated that unless the government responds positively, the agitation will escalate into a complete work boycott from July 1.