Implement Court Order to Resolve Pay Disparities: VOC Port Officers to Union Minister Sonowal
Tuticorin:
Port Wings News Network:
Officials of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Tuticorin have urged the Ministry for Ports, Shipping & Waterways to resolve a pay disparity that has remained pending for 14 years and to immediately implement the order issued by the Calcutta High Court.
Requesting Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal to intervene to settle the issue, representative of VOC Port Officers Association stated that the Calcutta High Court had issued an order on 20 August, 2026, regarding the pay disparity affecting officials of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority. However, the order had not been implemented, and the administration had failed to adequately consider the officials’ demands and alternative remedial measures.
Expressing their dissatisfaction on this inordinate delay in implementing the order, the officials staged a protest by wearing black badges from 1 to 9 October, reiterating their demands. On 9 October, officials wore black badges to express their opposition and draw attention to the issue.
The association clarified that the protest was neither directed against other employees nor intended to undermine the concerns of other officials. Its sole objective was to secure a resolution to the legitimate issues faced by the affected officials.
Pay Should Reflect Responsibilities
The officials pointed out that they perform key functions of the port sector while shouldering additional duties and a high degree of responsibility.
In such circumstances, their salaries, promotions and service benefits should receive appropriate recognition. Their principal demand is that compensation and recognition should be commensurate with their responsibilities, qualifications, duties and experience.
The officials of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority have urged the concerned administration to intervene and take appropriate action to resolve the long-pending pay disparity, ensure career progression, and safeguard their professional growth and future welfare.
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