Please do not insult Chowkidars comparing them with those in power.
Chowkidars are honest hardworking workers, deprived of job security, minimum wage any social security. They are organised in trade unions at some places and are fighting for economic and social justice. They joined 8-9 January workers general strike and are part of fighting working class.
They are not cheats, liars, goondas and chamchas of Ambanis – Adanis and corporates - foreign and domestic.
Let not their good name be used by the fekus. Let Chowkidars profession not be ridiculed comparing with others for failures, thieving and deceiving.
‘Chowkidari’ is an old profession from pre-British India. During early British rule, they were appointed by ‘Zamindars,’ paid by collection from the villagers. Their jobs were first time legally recognized by the ‘Chowkidari Act’ in 1856. Since then provincial / state governments also adopted their Acts or Rules under Central Act. By this Act, the District Magistrate became the appointing authority; but, the cost of maintenance of the Chowkidars was recoverable and dependent on the inhabitants. Bengal Village Chawkidari Act 1870 admitted dual control on them - Panchayat and District Magistrate on the appointment and fixation of salaries. The Bengal Village Self-Government Act 1919 did not remove the dual control. They are the worst victims of bureaucrats-Zamindars / Panchayat heads control.
Some mistakenly compare ‘Chowkidars’ with private security workers in urban areas. Legally ‘Chowkidars’ are different from private security workers. Private security workers are also exploited lot and are organised in trade unions in some pockets only.
There are about 50 lakh private security workers engaged by about 1368 registered in U.P. and 250 in Delhi. Their high alertness and hard work for more than 12-hours-shift does not bring them even minimum wage of Delhi or U.P. despite being covered by labour laws. The security agencies often violate Private Security Agencies Regulation Act, 2005, but there is no inspection as per policy of the present government. (Courtesy; Indian Express)
Yet, in this Lok Sabha election, Chowkidar’s job is being presented as a high profile job and Modi followers want to become ‘Chowkidars’ and the opposition ridiculing the profession by linking their work with thieves and cheats.
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