Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 19 2010:
Though the expected meeting between the Government representatives and the JAC spearheading the cease work strike over the 6th Pay imbroglio did not materialise, the scheduled meeting with the Governor was held as scheduled.
A joint team comprising of representatives of the JAC, MSSA, COTA, Pensioners' Union and the All India State Government Employees' Confederation called on Governor Gurbachan Jagat this morning and highlighted their demands.
They sought the attention of the Governor so that the strike is not prolonged and an amicable solution is reached.
Later speaking to media persons at their Babupara office, JAC's secretary general Th Chandramani said that they submitted a 14-point memorandum to the Governor.
He also accused the State Government of not initiating any step to negotiate with the striking employees.
The Governor however informed the representatives that the State Government has initiated due measures to hold a dialogue with the employees.
Saying that he would wait for two/three days, Gurbachan reportedly assured the employees' representatives that he would intervene if there is no development towards a negotiated settlement in the next couple of days.
However, there has been no formal invitation for a dialogue from the side of the Government till date, and this was conveyed to the Governor, Chandramani said.
Taking part in the press meet, MSSA secretary L Purujit said that the employees' representatives called on the Governor after the Chief Minister refused to give an appointment.
President of the Pensioners' Union H Yaima decried that the State Government has been paying little attention to the long standing demands of the more than 34,000 pensioners.
On the other hand, members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat Employees' Welfare Association staged a protest demonstration inside the Assembly complex today in support to the JAC's demands.
Meanwhile, following the joining of the Manipur Secretariat Service Association (MSSA) in the ongoing indefinite cease work strike launched by State Government employees under the stewardship of the JAC of AMGEO and AMTUC, the State administration has virtually broken down.
The otherwise busy Secretariat offices, which were always abuzz with activities, now bear a totally deserted look.
With no employees attending office, office rooms remained shut.
It is worth mentioning that JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO launched the indefinite cease work strike from January 16 demanding payment of revised pay recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission with effect from Jan 2006 with TA and DA.