Employees of Krishi Vigyan Kendras, which are administered by different host organizations besides the ICAR, staged a nationwide protest on Thursday, calling for the adoption of a “one nation, one KVK” policy following the Paroda High Power Committee’s recommendations and “to put an end to the discrimination meted out by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.” Over 600 KVKs with host organizations other than the ICAR witnessed the walkout, which the National Forum of KVK and the AICRP called. More than 7,000 workers, scientists, technical professionals, and administrative staff participated, brandishing banners and placards and shouting slogans denouncing the discriminatory practices of the ICAR.
The protest resulted from the long-standing complaints of the non-ICAR KVK personnel, who have been claiming unequal pay scales, promotions, and other service conditions compared to KVKs under the ICAR, according to a news statement released by the forum’s state unit. The forum called for “immediate action from the ICAR and intervention of central government to resolve our legitimate requests.” It conveyed the expectation that the central government’s and the states’ engagement would result in justice and answers for the problems brought up by the KVK employees.
