BIDAR, 14 FEB

In a significant escalation, Village Administration Officers (VAOs) from Chitguppa Taluk in Bidar District embarked on the second phase of their indefinite strike on 10 February, 2025. The protest, spearheaded by the Karnataka State Village Administration Officers' Association under the leadership of Taluk Chief Secretary Vitthala Yalaba, is taking place outside the Chitguppa Tehsildar’s office and is driven by the demand to address 23 specific grievances.

The key demands of the striking officers include a ₹50 lakh compensation for the families of officers who lose their lives on duty, as well as well-equipped office facilities, suitable furniture, mobile phones, CUG SIM cards, and laptops. They are also seeking a risk allowance of ₹3,000 and an increase in travel allowances from ₹500 to ₹5,000. Moreover, the officers are calling for state-level recognition of their seniority.

This protest marks the second time the VAOs have taken to the streets, following unfulfilled commitments made by the government during their previous strike. With plans to intensify their protest if their demands continue to be ignored, the VAOs have garnered support from local farmers' associations underlining the seriousness of their situation.

The ongoing strike is severely disrupting public services, leading to significant inconvenience for citizens. Students preparing for the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (CET) on 16 and 17 April are particularly affected, as they are unable to obtain necessary reservation and income certificates due to the strike. Additionally, delays in issuing birth and death certificates, as well as vital documentation for farmers, are compounding the issues facing the community. Each day, 86 different public services provided by VAOs are being disrupted, highlighting the far-reaching impact of the strike on daily life in Bidar.