Scores of members of the Telangana Home Guards Association took to the streets in several districts across Telangana today on the third day of the ongoing protests against the alleged ill-treatment of Home Guards in Telangana by the State government.
The Home Guards, who are essentially a Paramilitary branch of the Indian Police force, took up massive agitations demanding:
1. Regularization of their services. 2. Recognition as an integral part of the police force, and restoring their dignity. 3. Removal of menial services from the job description of Home Guards, as they are a Paramilitary force. 4. 30% pay hike. 5. Health cards. 6. Maternity and sick leave. 7. Allowances.
Demanding these, THGA President S Narayana had earlier, on October 23, locked himself up in his room and threatened a fast unto death. However, the police foiled the attempt by barging in at 3 am and shifting him to the Gandhi Hospital.
Many home guards have alleged that they were being paid less than what workers doing menial labour get, and that they were forced to do household chores of ministers and MLA, and sometimes their higher-ups.
Several other people in many districts demonstrated in different ways. However protests in some parts of Telangana subsided as the State government extended an olive branch and promised to fulfill their demands. In many other parts, the agitation continues.