Imphal, October 26: The state government has today reiterated its appeal to the striking employees to resume their duties immediately, with a veiled warning that it has decided to firmly deal with the employees who refuse to cooperate in achieving the objectives of the government in public interest.

The state chief secretary, Rakesh, in a statement, said the employees are public servants who are to look after the well-being of the general public and pressing for demands, which would completely upset the economy of the state at this juncture, is totally against the spirit of public service.

This being the working season, the state government is willing to take up essential developmental works for the benefit of the people, even at the risk of incurring further overdraft.

But the cease-work strike has paralyzed the administration so badly that no activity is possible, at the cost of public welfare, the statement said.

It said the state's finances do not permit payment of salaries even at the present level regularly, and resumption of allowances and release of additional doses of DA will only worsen the situation.

As it is, more than 80% of the total expenditure is on salaries, pensions and servicing of debts leaving very little money for developmental activities.

Further increasing the liability on salaries will leave no scope at all for meeting any developmental expenditures, the statement added.

While the government has full sympathy with the demand of the striking employees, it is forced to take up necessary measures to improve the financial position of the state, which requires collective efforts and cooperation on the part of all concerned, the chief secretary's statement said.

On the other hand, the striking employees, especially the Manipur Secretariat Services Association and Manipur Secretariat Drivers' Association, described the government's measure of suspending perks and allowances of the employees as unjustified and said the employees should not victimized for the financial mismanagement of the government.

They also pointed out that while the employees are being deprived of perks and allowances as a part of such frugality measure, the higher officials are enjoying the same.

The MSSA and MSDA have also jointly appealed to the employees not to receive their salaries until the allowances are restored.

They further appealed to employees of all departments under the state government to cooperate in the agitation.

Meanwhile, the Manipur State Electricity Department Employees' Union is joining the cease-work strike from Monday if the government fails to concede to the demand of the JAC by Sunday.

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