Govt warns employees in strike-mode
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 24 2023:
In a notification issued on Sunday, chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi has issued a stern warning to employees regarding the proposed cease work strike from September 25 by the Manipur Secretariat Services Association.
The notification highlighted the consequences of engaging in any form of strike, emphasising that it is in violation of established rules.
The notification pertains to Rule 7 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1965, which strictly prohibits government servants from participating in strikes, mass casual leave, go-slows, or any actions that abet any form of strike or protest.
It stated that pay and allowances will not be granted to employees absent from duty without proper authorisation.
Additionally, the notification underlined that the right to form an association does not include the right to strike or protest, as no statutory provisions empower employees to engage in strikes and cited Supreme Court judgements that going on strike is a grave misconduct under the Conduct Rules.
It also cautioned employees against the potential consequences of engaging in a strike, including wage deductions and disciplinary actions.
Administrative secretaries have been urged to communicate these instructions to all officers and officials within their respective departments.
Furthermore, they are required to submit daily reports to the General Administration Department (GAD) and the Department of Personnel (DP) about employees who are absent without authorisation or engage in strikes.
The reports will enable appropriate actions to be taken in accordance with the law, the notification added.