The Impressive TimesNew Delhi ,30,jan,2025:In a major guarantee aimed at securing the future of staff working with government officers, MPs, and ministers, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has promised seven key guarantees, including a dedicated job portal, staff hostels, legal protections on wages and working hours, and access to essential welfare schemes.
Under AAP’s plan, employees will receive life and health insurance, marriage assistance for daughters, and scholarships for children. The AAP Chief also vowed that AAP MPs would push for central government action, ensuring comprehensive reforms for this workforce.
In a press conference, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “In many government residences, the people working in their homes are referred to as ‘servants’ (staff), and there are many problems in the lives of these people—one would be shocked to know about them. Whenever a government officer, MP, or minister is allotted a bungalow, it comes with a ‘servant’ (staff) quarter. These quarters house the people who work in their homes.”
The AAP Supremo highlighted that the staffers who work in their homes should receive a salary. However, 70-80% of them are not paid. They are simply given accommodation in the servant quarters and are told that this is their only compensation. Many MPs and ministers have even rented out these servant quarters, which is a criminal offense and can lead to imprisonment.
He further added that when an MP’s term expires or an officer is transferred, the staff working in their homes become homeless. Until a new officer or MP arrives, they are forced out. Whether the new officer or MP keeps them or not is uncertain, leaving them stranded on the streets. “Their existence is highly temporary. They live with constant anxiety about whether they will have work for the next two or three years. Their lives have no stability, and when they are forced onto the streets, the future of their children is also in jeopardy. Where will they live? What will happen to them? These are serious concerns,” said Arvind Kejriwal.
The AAP Chief mentioned, “To address these issues, today, on behalf of the AAP, I am announcing seven guarantees for these people.
I). Servant/Staff Registration Portal will be created. When a staff member is let go, and a new employer needs to hire someone, they often don’t know whom to hire. This portal will serve as a database where those seeking employment can register, making it easier to match them with new employers. This will help resolve many problems.
II). Just like a Labour Card has been introduced, a Government Personal Servant/Staff Card will be created. Similar to the benefits provided under the Labour Card, staff members will receive access to various government schemes and facilities.
III). A Staff Hostel will be established. If someone loses their job, or if an MP or officer is transferred and their staff becomes homeless, they will have a place to stay temporarily for a few months or even a year until they find a new job.
IV). EWS (Economically Weaker Section) housing provided by the Delhi government at affordable rates and easy installments will also be made available to these staff members so that they can benefit from it.
V). Mobile Mobile Mohalla Clinics will be set up to ensure healthcare facilities are accessible to them.
VI). Regulations regarding working hours, salaries, and working conditions will be established. This will be made a criminal offense, meaning anyone violating these laws will face legal action.
VII). The benefits recently announced for auto drivers, e-rickshaw drivers, and taxi drivers—₹10 lakh life insurance, ₹5 lakh health insurance, ₹1 lakh financial assistance for a daughter’s wedding, and scholarships for children’s education—will also be extended to servants/staff.
Arvind Kejriwal affirmed that AAP MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha would strongly raise the concerns of government staff in Parliament and discuss the matter with the Centre. “These employees mostly work under officials and ministers of the central government. The promises we have made fall under the Delhi government’s jurisdiction, and we will fulfill them. For issues under the Centre’s purview, we will take them up with the central government,” he stated.
Issue Raised in All-Party Meeting, No Action Taken: Sanjay Singh
Meanwhile, senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh highlighted that the issue was raised in an all-party meeting but no action was taken. “With the Parliament session about to begin, every AAP MP will raise this matter with full force. I assure you of our complete commitment on behalf of Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party,” he said.
Will Ensure the Government Takes Action: Raghav Chadha
AAP MP Raghav Chadha emphasized that from January 31, when the Parliament session begins, AAP MPs will vocally bring up the concerns of government staff in the House. “We will ensure the government hears them and takes positive action at the earliest,” he asserted.
Only Arvind Kejriwal Thought About Us, Grateful to Him: Jagmohan
Government staff union representative Jagmohan expressed gratitude to AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal, saying, “Only Arvind Kejriwal has thought about our concerns. He listened to our problems, and for that, I am greatly thankful.”
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