Kanti Velugu opticians demand job security

Basheerbagh: The Kanti Velugu Optometrists' Association on Monday demanded job security to the contract employees involved in the government's prestigious 'Kanti Velugu' programmme.

The members of the association from across the state attended in large numbers a programme organised here on Tuesday. Some members told The Hans India that over 1,000 contract optometrists were appointed on a six-month project, and later removed after its conclusion.

They alleged that the optometrists were promised employment in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and "unjustly" removed from their services. The members stated that during the six-month project, eye tests had been conducted for nearly 1.5 crore persons and some 18.4 lakh were given spectacles.

They said eye tests are yet to be performed for some 50 lakh persons. They appealed to Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao to intervene and provide job security and the payment of pending wages.