Unwavering Resolve: Tripura Irregular Employees Demand Justice and Dignity

Agartala, Tripura – A significant demonstration unfolded in Agartala on July 4, 2025, as the Tripura Irregular Employees Forum launched its ‘Mahakaran Abhiyan.’ This powerful movement aimed to press an eight-point charter of demands on behalf of the state’s nearly 40,000 irregular employees, highlighting their persistent struggle for recognition, security, and fair treatment.

The procession, a vibrant display of unity and determination, commenced from the Agartala Press Club. Its initial objective was to reach the State Secretariat to formally submit a deputation to Chief Secretary JK Sinha. However, the path was met with police barricades near the Circuit House area, effectively halting the marchers’ physical advance towards the Secretariat.

Despite being stopped on their route, the Forum swiftly announced that their deputation, carrying the weight of their collective grievances and demands, would still be handed over to Chief Secretary JK Sinha as scheduled after 4 PM. This resolute stance underscored their commitment to ensuring their voices were heard, irrespective of the obstacles faced during the march itself.

A prominent figure in the movement, Purushottam Roy Barman, a respected lawyer and spokesperson for the Tripura Irregular Employees Forum, critically addressed the government’s perceived inaction. He voiced strong condemnation regarding the government’s failure to honor promises allegedly made in 2018 by the then-BJP administration concerning the regularization of irregular employees. His remarks resonated with the participants, many of whom have endured years of service without the stability and benefits afforded to regular employees.

The ‘Mahakaran Abhiyan’ is rooted in a comprehensive set of demands designed to uplift the precarious conditions of the Tripura Irregular Employees. Beyond the overarching call for regularization, their eight-point charter includes crucial provisions such as the implementation of equal pay for equal work, a fundamental principle of fairness. Furthermore, the Forum is advocating for a one-time payment of ₹10 lakh to irregular employees who have retired or, tragically, died while in service, acknowledging their contributions and providing much-needed support to their families. The charter also encompasses other vital welfare-related demands, reflecting a holistic approach to improving the lives and livelihoods of these dedicated workers.

Roy Barman articulated the profound significance of the ‘Mahakaran Abhiyan,’ emphasizing that it transcends mere contractual issues. For the Tripura Irregular Employees, this movement is a fervent demand for dignity, justice, and long-overdue recognition. It seeks to acknowledge the tireless service rendered by individuals who have dedicated years, often decades, to the system, yet remain devoid of the basic security, benefits, and professional respect that regular employment would confer. The sentiment among the marchers was clear: they are seeking an end to their marginalized status and a pathway to a more secure future.

The march garnered participation from diverse regions across the state, with representatives from various units of the Tripura Irregular Employees Forum converging in Agartala. This widespread involvement underscored the pervasive nature of the issues at hand and the collective determination among the irregular workforce. Participants expressed a unified vow to continue their agitation and advocacy until their multifaceted demands are comprehensively addressed by the state administration. The ‘Mahakaran Abhiyan’ therefore marks not an end, but a significant escalation in the ongoing fight for the rights and welfare of Tripura Irregular Employees, promising further actions until their grievances are resolved.