Plight of a need-based employee

As the harsh winter blankets the region, most people find solace within the warmth of their homes, cherishing the comfort of family, the crackling of a fireplace, or the embrace of thick woolen blankets. The biting cold outside makes staying indoors the ideal choice. But amidst this winter respite, have we ever paused to think about those who cannot fully enjoy this season of rest and warmth?

Consider the plight of an employee working in the education department who receives a two-month winter vacation, along with a regular and secure monthly salary. Such employees have the privilege of spending the season comfortably, free from the stress of finances, enjoying the fruits of their stable employment. Yet, in stark contrast, there exists another group—the need-based employees—who, despite working in the same department and fulfilling similar assignments, are left out in the cold, quite literally.

These need-based teachers, often employed under precarious and temporary arrangements, find themselves in a state of chaos and uncertainty during the winter. Unlike their permanent counterparts, their monthly salaries are stopped before the vacation period begins, leaving them to fend for themselves during the most challenging months of the year.

The disparity is glaring. While permanent employees enjoy the security of a steady income, need-based employees are left struggling with mounting financial pressures. Many of these employees have been serving diligently in colleges and schools for years. Despite their dedication, they face endless delays in confirmation of their positions. Some have been working since October, yet their salary has not been disbursed.

This precarious situation raises serious questions about equity and justice. How can a need-based employee sustain a family during the freezing winter months if they lack the basic facilities of a shelter and a reliable income? These employees endure a life filled with sighs of despair, burdened by depression, and weighed down by the harsh realities of their circumstances.

Over the years, stories highlighting the struggles of need-based employees have been published in national and international media. Yet, these voices seem to fall on deaf ears. Policymakers, administrators, and society at large have failed to address the root of this problem, leaving these workers to grapple with an unjust system.

It is high time that we, as a society, take responsibility for advocating the rights of need-based employees. Their contributions to education and other sectors are no less significant than those of their permanent counterparts. They deserve fair treatment, timely confirmation of their positions, and financial security, especially during harsh winters that magnify their struggles.

This winter, let us not just sit in the comfort of our homes but reflect on the struggles of those who serve silently and selflessly. It is our collective duty to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly those who shoulder the weight of uncertainty in their pursuit of livelihood. Only then can we move toward a society that truly values equity, fairness, and human dignity.