MSSA strike completes 9 days
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 13 2022:
The cease work strike launched by the Manipur Secretariat Services Association (MSSA) has completed nine days today.
The MSSA launched the cease work strike demanding fulfilment of its nine-point charter of demands.
Speaking to media persons about their agitation at the Manipur Secretariat, North Block, MSSA general secretary Sougrakpam Rabi said that they would be compelled to switch to more intense modes of agitation if their appeal goes unheeded.
He warned that they may gherao the Chief Secretary's office and lock the offices of both the South and North blocks of Manipur Secretariat.
The cease work strike could have been wrapped up much earlier if the Government had paid due attention, Rabi said.
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He said that they submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary on August 31 highlighting the MSSA's nine demands.
The representation clearly stated that cease work strike would be launched from September 5 if their demands were not fulfilled.
As notified through the representation, the cease work strike was launched as no satisfactory response was received from the Chief Secretary, Rabi said.
The MSSA was not demanding immediate fulfilment of all the nine demands.
But the employees were aggrieved by the authority's failure to give any opportunity for discussion and negotiation, he said.
Of the nine points raised by MSSA, it is the transfer of Manipur Secretariat employees outside the State which has been noted with the deepest concern, the general secretary said.
This does not mean the MSSA is not inclined to respect the State's transfer and posting policy.
Yet, he asked how could one work in a totally new environment where the cadres are separate and rules are different.
He urged that Group D employees of Manipur Secretariat should be given grade pay of Rs 1800 while those working as caretakers should be given grade pay of Rs 4200 .
The grade pays of ASO/SO and PS should be Rs 4600 and Rs 4800 respectively.
As agreed earlier with the Government, employees' DA should be upgraded to the rate fixed by the Central Government with effect from January 2023, he demanded.
Another demand of MSSA is putting an immediate halt to the practice of re-engagement of retired employees.
The process of promotion to fill up vacant posts should be expedited.
Another demand of the MSSA is immediate release/clearance of all the retirement benefits and pensions.
The MSSA has also been demanding scrapping of the National Pension Scheme (NPS), the general secretary added.