The Uttar Pradesh Lakhpal Sangh announced the cessation of work in government WhatsApp groups starting October 8 and a boycott of online jobs related to income, caste, residence, and inheritance, due to eight unresolved demands. Lakhpals working in the state's districts warned of a comprehensive work refusal across the entire state, beginning on October 17. This step was taken because issues such as salary discrepancies, transfers, and promotions have not been addressed. The Lakhpals protested by distancing themselves from all digital platforms and land-related work, leading to a complete halt in administrative activities and document issuance to the public.
Demands Regarding Salary and Transfers
A key demand of the Lakhpals is the establishment of a starting salary at Level-5/Grade Pay 2800, which has remained unresolved since 2017. The union claims that applications for inter-district transfer were submitted for 2669 Lakhpals in May 2025, yet approximately 2700 Lakhpals are still working remotely from 400 to 800 kilometers away. Furthermore, despite the completion of DPC on April 29, 2026, the promotion list for 2025-26 has not been published. The results of the examination held on September 13, 2025, also remain unpublished.
Demands for Increased Allowances and Basic Conditions
The Lakhpal Sangh demands an increase in stationery allowance from 100 to 500 rupees, replacement of the fixed travel allowance with a motorcycle allowance of 1500 rupees, and the establishment of a special monthly allowance of 1000 rupees. A further demand is the exemption of Lakhpals attached to office cards, contrary to the order dated June 1, 2017. They insist on the provision of adequate facilities, including rooms, computers, internet, electricity, and toilets in village secretariats, as well as the recognition of the Lakhpal position as technical and the provision of laptops and mobile phones.
Warning to the Government: Responsibility for Inconveniences
The union cited an anti-corruption trap into which a Lakhpal working in the Panchayat building in Sokhaval village, Ayodhya district, fell on August 20, 2026. The Lakhpal Sangh emphasized that due to responsibility for multiple villages, it is impractical for him to be in one location. The Lakhpal Sangh clearly stated that if positive action is not taken on the demands, the complete work refusal will begin on October 17, and the Land Council and the government will bear full responsibility. The union demanded that the Prime Minister immediately issue a government order.