Bangalore:
The SC/ST Welfare Association of Bharat Electronics here decided to resort to a relay hunger-strike in January if their demands are not conceded, Prof. S S Arakeri, MLA, and Association President told newsmen here on Nov 18. Demands are the [regarding] non-implementation by the BEL management of 22.5 percent reservation for SCs and STs; neglect on the part of the trade unions to protect the SC employees’ interests and non-recognition of the association by the management; on many occasions the services of SC, ST employees had been terminated or suspended without assigning reasons – 11 SC, ST employees who had been sacked be reinstated without delay and that a liaison officer be appointed for them immediately. Out of the 1,383 quarters, only 164 were provided for SC families and eight for STs. The Dalit houses were placed in a segregated line and not mixed among other residents’ quarters as per Government rules.
(Deccan Herald, Nov. 21)
