Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur government employees ramped up their statewide cease-work strike on Monday. Protests erupted from Imphal West to the Bishnupur district headquarters as staff abandoned desks to demand fair pay. The Joint Administrative Council of the All Manipur Trade Union Congress and the All Manipur Government Employees’ Organisation spearheaded the movement.
Workers at the Minor Irrigation Department in Lamphelpat shut down operations. The All Manipur Government Drivers and Technicians Association joined the picketing lines. Staff gathered at the Deputy Commissioner’s Complex in Bishnupur to voice their grievances. They are tired of waiting.
JAC president R.K. Basumani warned of further escalation if the government keeps ignoring their 10-point charter. Employees currently draw 18 per cent in Dearness Allowance and Relief. Central government staff receive nearly 60 per cent. Basumani demanded immediate parity in line with the 8th Pay Commission Terms of Reference. He rejected any talk of a nominal increase.
The state faces a staggering financial shortfall. Retiree benefits remain unpaid, totaling an estimated Rs. 550 crore. Basumani suggested a fix: "He suggested extending the retirement age of government employees from 60 to 62 years as one of the measures to ease the financial burden."
A 2024 government report reveals nearly 5,000 vacant posts. These gaps cripple public service delivery. Recruitment must start now. Meanwhile, the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation Limited Employees’ Association continues its separate pen-down strike started July 9. General secretary M. Jagatchadra demands a new chairman for the corporation, arguing that the current official rarely shows up to work.
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