Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The agitation by electricity department contractual workers in Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar has intensified, with protesters staging a symbolic shroud demonstration to draw the government's attention to their long-pending demands. The strike has entered its 41st day, while employees have been on an indefinite hunger strike for the past seven days.

Under the banner of the Odisha Bidyut Contract Employees Milita Manch, the protesting workers wrapped themselves in shrouds and portrayed themselves as dead bodies at the protest site, expressing their frustration over the alleged lack of response from the government and administration.

The workers are demanding job security, an end to retrenchment in the name of changing tender arrangements, and the immediate reinstatement of previously dismissed employees.

41-Day Strike, 7-Day Hunger Protest

Dilip Kumar Sahu, president of the Odisha Bidyut Contract Employees Milita Manch, said the agitation had continued for 41 days without any positive intervention from the authorities.

A protesting employee said that despite the prolonged strike, the government had failed to address their concerns.

The employee stated that workers had been observing an indefinite hunger strike for the past seven days and were compelled to adopt different forms of protest to make their voices heard.

The employee further claimed that the health of around 70 to 100 workers had deteriorated due to the hunger strike, with several reportedly admitted to hospitals.

Workers Demand Job Security and Reinstatement

The employees' primary demand is to immediately stop the practice of removing experienced workers whenever contractual agreements or tenders are changed.

According to the workers' union, approximately 15,000 contractual electricity employees are working across Odisha, of whom nearly 2,000 have reportedly been dismissed at different