Arunachal Pradesh Government Terms State Employee’s Two-day Pen and Tool down Strike Illegal

The two-day pen and tool down strike called by employees under the banner of Confederation of Service Associations of Arunachal (CoSAAP) is termed as illegal by the Arunachal Pradesh government. The state government’s take on the two-day strike came on Wednesday when it not only termed it as illegal but also said that strict actions will be taken against the ones who remain away from official proceedings and participated in the strike.

The government order states, "Any government employee taking part in the pen/tool down strike shall be in gross contravention with CCS (Conduct) Rules, and such employees will be liable for disciplinary proceedings under CCS (CCA) Rules and other relevant Act/Rules."

There are further mentioned on grants for House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Tough Location Allowance (TLA) too in the official statement. The cabinet has decided to take up the burden of further expenses in the name of these allowances despite being going through an unstable financial condition.

In this respect, the statement says, "The decisions were taken by the state cabinet keeping very sympathetic view towards the members of the Confederation in spite of the fact that it will involve an estimated financial implication of approximately, Rs 90 crore per annum."

Notably, this two-day strike was called on by the state government employees in protest of against non-fulfilment of various demands. The first and foremost of their demands is the practice of the 7th Central pay commission allowances. In addition to that, the employees are also demanding for other service benefits for the employees.

Although the government has agreed to provide housing rent allowance (HRA) and tough location allowance (TLA), the CoSAAP is also demanding the government to provide a non-practising allowance for doctors, children education allowance, transport allowance, non-teaching allowance for teachers.