Imphal, Nov. 13: Manipur government employees launched the second phase of their agitation today demanding implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.
The employees launched the first phase of their agitation on November 6 to pressure the state government into implementing the hiked pay rates.
They sported black badges as a mark their protest.
In the second phase that began today, they launched a “work-to-rule,” which essentially means they will work only during office hours and refuse to do any extra chore. Neither will they agree to work beyond time.
The winter working hours are from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The information and publicity secretary of the Joint Administrative Council of the employees, L. Priyobrata Singh, said the work-to-rule would continue till November 19.
The next day onwards the employees will launch a pen-down strike.
“If no response comes even then, the employees will launch an indefinite ceasework from November 27,” he said.
The council is the apex body of various government employees’ unions, with grade IV staff to class II gazetted officers as members.
The Manipur State Secretariat Employees’ Association is supporting the ongoing agitation.
The council said the government would not have to bear too heavy a financial burden if it implements the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission.
It estimated that the government was spending Rs 1,080 crore per annum on the present rate of salaries.
Implementation of the new pay rate will cost the government an additional amount of Rs 325 crore per annum.
“The government has started implementing the Sixth Pay Commission for IAS, IPS and Indian Forest Service officers. We are not asking for anything more. We are only demanding our due, ” Singh said.
The council appealed to all its constituent units and respective members to work dutifully during the work-to-rule phase.
Source: www.telegraphindia.com
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