New Delhi, 28th September 2023 – From October 2nd to October 6th, 2023, the grounds of Jantar Mantar in Delhi have become the epicentre of a protest as thousands of postal agents from across the nation gather to voice their grievances and demand recognition from the central government. The drumbeat of this protest resonates with the cause of women’s empowerment, highlighting the long-standing issue of government neglect towards the approximately 5 lakh women postal agents in India.
This powerful movement has been spearheaded by the National Small Savings Agents Association of India, and it has garnered immense support, drawing in thousands of agents representing every corner of the country. The primary concern of the protesting postal agents revolves around the government’s apparent disregard for their contributions and welfare, particularly about various government schemes.
While the government has been launching new schemes aimed at empowering women, such as the Sukanya Samridhi Yojana and Mahila Samman Yojana, postal agents assert that they have been unfairly sidelined and denied their due recognition and benefits in these initiatives. This sentiment extends to small savings agents as well, who feel that they have been unjustly treated by the government.
For years, both Women Leaders and Small Savings Agents have been instrumental in contributing 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 and imposed what they perceived as unfair treatment.
The women agents have now taken their concerns to the nation’s capital, Jantar Mantar, where they are determined to make their voices heard. Their message is clear: they demand recognition, fairness, and justice.
In a stern warning to the central government, Girish Joshi, Working President of Maharashtra Small Savings Association and Mahila Pradhan Representative Federation and 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.”
As the protest gains momentum and draws attention from various people, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of these dedicated postal agents and whether their grievances will be addressed in a meaningful manner.