A nationwide day-long protest was held at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the country on Tuesday. Employees wore black badges to demand the fulfilment of long-standing demands regarding pay and service conditions. The protest coincided with the 96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day celebration at ICAR, New Delhi.
The protest is against the absolute disparity in pay and service conditions, promotion, post-retirement benefits, death compensations, and other facilities between ICAR-run KVK employees and non-ICAR run KVK employees under different host organizations. Out of 731 KVKs in India, only 66 are directly run by ICAR, while the rest are under state agricultural universities, state departments, NGOs, etc.
KVKs have been serving as knowledge centers and lighthouses for rural people, playing a pivotal role in agricultural technology transfer, extension services, and technology adoption. However, KVKs under various host institutions have been facing issues related to pay benefits, promotion, service regulations, and post-retirement benefits. Unjustified decisions by ICAR and host organizations have affected around 10,000 employees, pushing them into job insecurity and uncertainty.
The Forum of KVK and AICRP have demanded that the ICAR authorities resolve the problems of the employees of the KVK's soon so that they can work with double enthusiasm in the interest of the farmers. The forum has also appealed to the government to address the long-standing demands of KVK employees and ensure fair treatment for all."