Government employees to go on warpath

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, Nov 16: Anguished at the non-fulfillment of their demands, State government employees have threatened to go on the warpath from November 21.

"We are not keen to take to the streets. But the government is forcing us," said Sadou Asom Karmachari Parishad (SAKP) president Basab Kalita said today.

Kalita said that Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, during a meeting with representatives of the employees association on July 21 last, had in principle conceded to their demands, which included framing of guidelines of a free health scheme and disbursement of 27-month salary arrears.

Admitting that muster-roll casual employees are being poorly paid, the government had also agreed to hike their salaries to the level of 4th grade employees till their jobs are regularized, Kalita said.

The employees association alleged that while the government is yet to implement the decision taken at the July meeting, the minutes of the meeting were allegedly modified.

"The government should rectify the minutes," the SAKP said, adding that the employees will not compromise on the arrear issue.

"We had given an ultimatum of November 17 to the government, but we haven't seen any goodwill on its part," Kalita said.

The employees association has resolved to stage a demonstration at Last Gate on November 21 next, followed by similar protests at the district and sub-divisiol headquarters on December 1. They have threatened to launch a more vigorous agitation in the second phase.