PRIVATE security guards deployed at Gun Carriage Factory (GCF), Jabalpur, under the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) scheme staged a protest at the factory gate on Monday, alleging harassment by senior officials, illegal demands and problems caused by revised shift timings. The protest reportedly turned tense after a confrontation between the guards and Joint Works Manager (JWM) Ranjit Prajapati, which allegedly escalated into a physical altercation. Prajapati has reportedly sustained injuries following the incident. Security guard Ravi Shukla alleged that JWM Prajapati had been mentally harassing guards and visiting various check posts to demand liquor bottles, allegedly claiming that these were to be delivered to senior officers. The guards alleged that those refusing such demands were threatened with removal from duty or termination and were subjected to abusive language and harassment.

 

The guards also claimed that salaries of 62 security personnel had been delayed for several months. They said the previous month’s salary had not been credited even by September 14. The guards separately raised objections to the new shift schedule introduced from September 14. Under the revised arrangement, duties are from 4 am to noon, noon to 8 pm and 8 pm to 4 am. They said the early shifts require them to leave home around 3 am, when public transport is largely unavailable, exposing them to safety risks while travelling through deserted areas. They demanded restoration of the traditional 6 am–2 pm, 2 pm–10 pm and 10 pm–6 am shifts. The guards said the new timings could cause sleep deprivation, fatigue and reduced alertness, which they claimed could affect security at the vital defence establishment. The protesting personnel urged the authorities to address their grievances, take appropriate action on the allegations and restore the earlier shift system so they can perform their duties peacefully and safely.