Imphal, April 21: Following the cease work strike launched by the JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO, the State Government today came out with its side of the story and explained why some of the demands raised by the JAC cannot be fulfilled at this juncture.

In an official statement, the Government said that a number of demands raised by the JAC have been granted during the past one year.

The benefits given include raising DA rates from 41 pc to 59 pc, Assured Career Progression Scheme to all Grade C and D employees including work charged employees, raising the minimum wages per day from Rs 44.65 to Rs 72.40 for unskilled workers and from Rs 51.65 to Rs 79.40 for skilled workers, rank pay for certain ranks in Police and Jail Departments worth Rs 2.5 lakhs per month has been granted, daily allowances for Home Guards have been raised to Rs 56.80 per day with facility for separate food, transport and washing allowance, leave encashment of 300 days on superannuation has been restored giving benefit of Rs 1.30 crores per annum, clearing of back wages for casual/muster roll employees.

The rectification of pay anomalies is also under the consideration of the Cabinet, added the statement.

Pertaining to the present demands raised by the JAC which include grant of non-practice allowances to doctors in Health and Veterinary Departments, regularisation of adhoc/casual employees and extension of employees service age from 58 to 60 years, the statement said that these demands have not been considered feasible in the view of the current Government policy and rulings of the Court.

The statement explained that further financial grants to the Government employees can only be at the cost of development as it will affect the availability of resources for Plan works and projects.

The Government is taking adequate steps to look after the welfare of 65000 employees but at the same time, the Government is also duty bound to take up developmental programme for the 25 lakh population of the State, explained the statement.

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