Possible solution in sight to stir
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 29 2019:
Following the second round of meeting between representatives of Manipur Secretariat Services Association (MSSA) and Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF) with officials led by the Chief Secretary today, a possible solution to the cease work strike is in sight as the State Government has reportedly agreed to pay the pending 17 percent DA.
According to a reliable source, a meeting was held between the representatives of the two associations and the State Government yesterday but a positive solution was not reached during the meeting and as such another meeting was scheduled at 11 am today.
Accordingly, the meeting between the two sides commenced from 11 am today at the Chief Secretary's office at Secretariat South Block.
During the meeting, the State Government proposed payment of 7 percent of the due DA (out of a total 17 percent as demanded by the two associations) in cash to the employees from January 1 and depositing the remaining 10 percent in the employees GP funds from April 1 (when the 7th Pay will be in effect) such that the employees cannot withdraw the said amount for at least 3 years.
The State Government further reasoned that even if it wants to give all the due DA of the employees, it cannot do so due to the financial condition of the State.
On the other hand, the Government also proposed payment of the said 10 percent due DA in the form of cash to those employees who are about to retire as well as those who joined service recently and are yet to open any GPF account.
The source continued that even though the representatives of the two associations welcomed the proposal of the Government, they urged for a written assurance from the State Government's side in the form of an agreement.
However, the State Government assured that it will keep its promise and declined to sign an agreement reasoning that such an agreement will be of no use, the source added.
The meeting was held in two phase today (one at 11 am and another at 3 pm) .
On the other hand, according to a representative of MSSA, it can be regarded that both sides have almost come to a complete understanding although issues regarding the condition of the Secretariat employees are yet to be discussed for which another meeting has been fixed at 2 pm tomorrow.