India: Postal Agents To Stage Massive Protest at Jantar Mantar, Demand Recognition and Justice

Share this News:

New Delhi, 29th September 2023: From October 2nd to October 6th, 2023, Jantar Mantar in Delhi will serve as the epicenter of a significant protest. Thousands of postal agents from across the nation are gathering to voice their grievances and demand recognition from the central government. The protest notably resonates with the cause of women’s empowerment, spotlighting the long-standing issue of government neglect toward approximately 500,000 women postal agents in India.

Spearheaded by National Association

This impactful movement is led by the National Small Savings Agents Association of India. It has garnered immense support, attracting agents from every corner of the country. The primary concern centers around the government’s apparent disregard for the contributions and welfare of these agents, particularly in relation to various government schemes.

Government Schemes and Discontent

While the government has launched new schemes aimed at empowering women, such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Mahila Samman Yojana, postal agents argue that they have been unfairly sidelined. They claim they are denied due recognition and benefits in these initiatives, a sentiment that extends to small savings agents as well.

Historical Context

For years, both women leaders and small savings agents have contributed substantial amounts to the government’s savings, enabling the successful execution of numerous five-year plans. However, a turning point was reached in 2011 when the government allegedly began to overlook the contributions of women agents, imposing what they perceive as unfair treatment.

Stern Warning

In a stern warning to the central government, Girish Joshi, Working President of the Maharashtra Small Savings Association and Mahila Pradhan Representative Federation, as well as an Advisory Committee Member of the National Small Savings Association, stated, “If the government does not learn a lesson from this movement, then we will teach a lesson to the central government in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.”

Uncertain Future

As the protest gains momentum and draws diverse attention, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these dedicated postal agents’ demands and whether their grievances will be meaningfully addressed.