KL Report
SRINAGAR
Government has decided to act tough on its striking employees. They may have to lose their job if found absent from duty. The order was issued Saturday by the General Administration Department saying that most of the demands put forth by the Employee’s Unions on different occasions have been acceded to despite known financial constraints. Government has been exhibiting a sympathetic and considerate attitude towards its employees in so far as fulfillment of their legitimate demands is concerned.
Earlier on Friday, a crucial meeting between Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) and employees Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) failed to break the ice between the two sides, prompting the latter to announce resumption of agitation from October 1.
The JCC, which had set September 27 as deadline for acceptance of their demands, accused the government of buying time and being indifferent towards genuine demands of 4.5 lakh employees of JK.
As per a statement the government has viewed frequent strikes by the employees with concern as strikes cause sufferings and inconvenience to the public at large especially, in respect of delivery of essential services which get affected considerably.
While referring to the judgment of the Supreme Court which has held the strikes by the employees as illegal, the government with a view to sensitizing the employees about the actions which it may be compelled to take in the event of any eventuality has issued the fresh instructions.
Apart from enforcement of the principles of “No work no wages”, action as may be deemed appropriate may be taken against those instigating/participating in the strikes/hartals. Such actions shall include treating the period of the unauthorized absence as dies-non/break in service and may even entail dismissal from service.
The Circular further states that the Administrative Secretaries shall furnish the attendance of the employees on day to day basis. Similarly Deputy Commissioners shall furnish details of attendance of the employees through respective Divisional Commissioners, besides reports to be furnished by CID about the employees attendance.
The government employees are seeking enhancement in retirement age from 58 to 60 years, regularization of daily-rated workers, casual laborers and need-based workers engaged after 1994, removal of pay anomalies, budgetary support for public sector undertakings and inclusion of five years of Rehbar-e-Taleem recruits in their service records.
