7th Pay meeting with Dy CM leaves employees furious
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 31 2018: Representatives of different employees' associations came back fuming and cursing after a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Joykumar today as they learnt that the State Government has so far done nothing substantial to implement the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission with respect to State Government employees and pensioners.

As such, the ongoing cease work strike is likely to be further intensified.

According to Manipur Government Services Federation general secretary Purujit Lairikyengbam, the Deputy Chief Minister categorically stated that BJP's promise as highlighted through its Vision Document to implement the 7th Pay has nothing to do with the incumbent Government as it is not a BJP Government but a coalition Government.

The Chief Secretary's office yesterday invited the JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO, Manipur Government Services Federation and Manipur Secretariat Services Association for a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister at 12.30 pm today.

But the JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO declined the invitation contending that any meeting on the issue should be held at the level of the Chief Minister, and the warrant of arrest and show cause notice issued against the office bearers should be withdrawn first.

The meeting chaired by Y Joykumar at his Secretariat North Block office was also attended by Chief Secretary J Suresh Babu, Finance Secretary Limneikim Singson, some other officials and 31 delegates of the Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF) and the Manipur Secretariat Services Association (MSSA).

Even though the meeting which started at 12.30 pm continued till 1.15 pm, the two sides could not make any breakthrough and the delegates of MGSF and MSSA came out fuming and dejected.

Reminding his statement given on the floor of the State Assembly, the Finance Minister stated that the State Government is not in a position to implement the 7th Pay as of now as the State's financial position is not healthy enough, Purujit conveyed.

Joykumar categorically stated that the question of 7th Pay can be considered only after receiving the 15th Finance Commission's award.

On being enquired if the State Government has ever sought any special financial package from the Central Government for implementation of the 7th Pay, the Deputy Chief Minister replied that the State Government has neither sought any special package nor has it made any special arrangement.

Chief Minister N Biren and Works Minister Th Biswajit verbally sought financial assistance from the Central Government but the State Government is yet to make any formal approach so far, the Deputy Chief Minister reportedly told the MGSF and MSSA representatives.

Decrying that the Deputy Chief Minister's statements smacked of utter irresponsibility and the Government has no intention to implement the 7th Pay, Purujit said that the ongoing agitation would be further intensified as the rights of employees are central to it.

The Government cannot excuse itself on the ground that it is a coalition Government.

The State Government should take up the matter with the Central Government and ensure that the 7th Pay is implemented at the earliest, he added.

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