Ludhiana:The Amritsar-Delhi national highway faced severe disruptions near Ladowal as contractual employees from various government departments staged a protest, blocking one side of the highway. Commuters experienced significant delays as the protest led to a major traffic jam in the area. Reports indicated that police had to divert traffic heading to Jalandhar from Hambran road to manage the situation.
The protesting contractual employees, representing government thermal plants, hydel projects, Verka milk plant, cattle feed plant, water supply and sewerage board, enlistment, and Powercom department, demanded a minimum salary of Rs 30,000 as per the 15th Labour Conference. They also sought the confirmation of outsourced and enlistment contractual workers and removal of companies and contractors from government departments to prevent exploitation.
Civil administration and police officials intervened, urging the protestors to lift the blockade. After receiving assurances from the authorities, the workers agreed to end the protest.