Wed Jan 01 16:00:57 UTC 2025: ## Udupi Panchayat Office Closed Due to Staff Walkout
**Mangaluru, January 1, 2025:** Residents of Bairampalli Gram Panchayat in Udupi taluk faced disruption on Wednesday after all 23 Panchayat staff members stayed away from work. The staff, citing excessive workload and alleged harassment, had previously notified their superiors on December 19th of their intention to resign due to concerns for their mental and physical health. Receiving no response, they chose not to report for duty on Wednesday.
Villagers arriving at the Panchayat office were met with locked doors, leading to a viral social media post highlighting the situation. Following the online attention, Taluk Panchayat officials intervened, opening the office, but services remained unavailable due to the staff’s absence. Senior Zilla Panchayat officials were unavailable for comment. The incident underscores concerns regarding staff wellbeing and workload within the Panchayat system.
First Piper 