Akshara Dasoha workers seek protection, stir in Mandya, Hassan

Members of the district unit of the State Akshara Dasoha Workers’ Union staged a protest demonstration in front of the office of the Zilla Panchayat, in Mandya, on Wednesday, and sought protection against assault on them.

They said, assaults — including sexual violence — against Akshara Dasoha workers in schools are on the rise, but the authorities concerned are slow to respond. “Recently, a complaint was lodged about mental torture on one Renuka of Siddhartha School, in Malavalli, by the headmaster.

But, no action has been taken against the headmaster,” they pointed out. They said, there have been sexual assault on Akshara Dasoha workers in Sindanur, Arsikere and many more places. The workers are feeling insecure. So, the officials should take steps to initiate stern action against offenders, they demanded. The agitators submitted a memorandum to ZP Chief Executive Officer Rohini Sindhuri later.

Hassan
Akshara Dasoha workers from across the district also staged a protest in front of Zilla Panchayat office, in Hassan, on Wednesday. Supported by Akshara Dasoha Employees Association and CITU, the agitators claimed that thousands of women are working under the scheme since the past 11 years, without any basic facilities and social security. Repeated incidents of assaults and harassment are being reported every day including suspension from service, mental harassment, allegations of theft, sexual harassment and others. Despite the issue being brought to the notice of the authorities concerned, harassment was on the rise, they alleged.

Pointing out the gang rape on a women cook at a government higher primary school in Sindhanoor taluk in Raichur district, they demanded stern punishment to the guilty.