The employees of Assam’s 108 Mrityunjoy emergency ambulance service have been sitting in protest for more than 20 days. Their demand is simple and clear. They want job security, better wages, and proper benefits for the risky work they do every day.
The protest is being led by the All Assam 108 Mrityunjoy Employee Association. The employees say they are unhappy with the Government of Assam, the Chief Minister, and the Labour Department. They feel the authorities have not taken any real steps to solve their problems. The workers say that despite informing the government many times, there has been no action. Only verbal assurances have been given, and no written commitment has come from any authority.
At a press conference today, the association expressed serious disappointment. Association Advisor Lakhikanta Roy said that they had informed the Chief Minister, the Health Minister, the Labour Department, and other officials about their problems in formal letters and meetings. But even after many requests, no real step has been taken. 
The 108 ambulance service has been an important part of Assam’s public health service. For years, the ambulances have helped save lives in urban and rural areas. Workers say that they work long hours under pressure, but their rights are ignored. They say that they do not get job security, fair wages, or benefits that emergency service workers should get according to labour laws.
Workers also claim there are labour law violations. The association says the private employer company should be held accountable. They argue that complaints have been made earlier, but the company has not faced any scrutiny. This, they say, has continued for years.
The employees worry that if their concerns are not addressed soon, it will affect morale and the functioning of the emergency health system across the state.
The association put forward several key demands before the government. They said that nearly 3,000 employees should receive regularization of jobs and be brought under direct government employment, instead of working under private contractors. The workers demanded that their monthly wages be increased to match the category of highly skilled workers, as they currently earn only around Rs 13,000 to Rs 14,000 per month. They also sought full payment of overtime for the 12-hour shifts performed by EMTs, pilots, and emergency response officers, along with annual legal bonuses which they claim have been denied for years. Further, they urged the government to ensure that tender documents clearly specify fair wage rates and that these wages be paid in addition to the current salary. The association also demanded that all 108 employees be included in government welfare schemes such as Apon Ghar and Seuji Ghar, along with access to bank loan facilities to ensure financial security for their families.
At today’s press conference, members from the Land Rights Joint Struggle Committee were also present. Pranab D., Bidisha Barman and Subrata Talukdar expressed solidarity with the workers. They said they support the struggle for justice and fair rights.
The association said that the government must understand the seriousness of the issue. They added that the 108 ambulance workers risk their lives every day, and they deserve respect and dignity.
