End privatisation in highways dept: Workers’ union

Madurai: Tamil Nadu Highways Department Road Workers Union has urged the TVK-led govt to scrap moves towards privatisation in the department, fill thousands of vacancies and release pending funds for road maintenance works.Union general secretary A Amsaraj said the organisation welcomed the change in govt but expected it to reverse policies pursued over the past two decades. “The two major parties that ruled Tamil Nadu for over 50 years failed to fill vacancies in govt departments, promoted contract employment and abolished permanent posts in several sectors,” he said.Amsaraj alleged that privatisation measures introduced in the department since 2002 had reduced employment opportunities. He urged the govt to revoke the order establishing State Highways Authority. “If this govt allows the authority to function, private companies will eventually set up toll plazas on state highways and exploit the public,” he said.Amsaraj said many engineering graduates and educated youths employed in maintenance projects were facing difficulties due to the lack of systematic recruitment.