Pune: Group B Employees Stage Lunch-Hour Protest at High Explosives Factory Khadki Over Pending Demands
Khadki, 1st July 2026: Group B non-gazetted officers and employees of the High Explosives Factory (HEF), Khadki, staged a lunch-hour sit-in protest on Tuesday to press the Central Government to address their long-pending service-related demands.
The protest was organised under the banner of the All India Association of Non-Gazetted Officers Group B at the High Explosives Factory, a unit of Munitions India Limited under the Department of Defence Production, Government of India.
During the demonstration, employees raised slogans against what they termed the government’s delay in resolving their grievances and urged the Centre to take immediate action on their demands. The association also submitted a six-point Charter of Demands highlighting issues related to promotions, recruitment, service benefits, and policy decisions.
The key demands include:
Immediate implementation of the 2026 Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) process and promotion of eligible Chargemen to the post of Junior Works Manager (JWM).
An early decision on the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for Junior Works Manager (Senior Grade) and filling of 618 vacant posts without delay.
Promotion opportunities for Master Craftsman (MCM) employees to the post of Chargeman.
Extension of national benefits to employees who qualified in the 2022 and 2026 LDCE Chargeman examinations.
Relaxation of rules for employees who have obtained qualifications through distance education or diploma courses, enabling them to receive promotions and the associated financial benefits.
Immediate issuance of a Government Resolution (G.R.) regarding the employee option process without further delay.
A large number of Group B non-gazetted officers and employees, along with office-bearers of the association, participated in the protest.
The association warned that if the Central Government fails to take a positive decision on the pending demands, it will intensify its agitation in the coming days.
