Manjula Devi has been appointed as the acting CEO of the Ba Town Council, following instructions from Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa. This transition comes amid turmoil, as council workers recently staged a protest, halting work due to issues including unauthorized pay deductions and unfulfilled promises of a 10% salary increase that was expected under the prior acting CEO, Moshim Khan.
Minister Nalumisa emphasized that special administrators should not interfere in council operations, reinforcing the need for effective governance and communication within councils. During her first day in office, Ms. Devi held meetings with union representatives, including Satish Chandra, to address the workers’ grievances. She confirmed that the protesting workers resumed their duties promptly after her appointment.
In her statement, Ms. Devi clarified that only one employee’s pay was affected by recent deductions, which stemmed from a lack of prior consultation with the union regarding salary increases. Moving forward, there are discussions in place for a proposed memorandum of agreement to be signed with the union representatives to outline the necessary steps for implementing salary adjustments.
The return of workers to their posts illustrates a hopeful step toward stabilization and improved working conditions within the council. Both employees and management are encouraged to enhance communication efforts, indicating a commitment to resolving disputes amicably.
These events highlight broader trends in local governance, reflecting a growing focus on transparency and collaboration. This proactive approach from the Ba Town Council can contribute to better employee relations, ultimately benefiting the Ba community as a whole.
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