All government work in Manipur has come to a standstill as the ‘cease work’ strike by employees numbering over 100,000 entered the 73rd day on Saturday. The employees are demanding the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar who holds the Finance portfolio said: “As things stand now, it is impossible to enhance the pay scale since annually ₹1,600 crore will be needed to pay the employees and pensioners.”
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was softer when he said the government had agreed in principle to pay the enhanced salaries and pensions. “But the government needs a little time to sort out the financial implications,” he said.
N. Priyobarta, a leader of the striking employees, said out of 29 States, employees in 19 States had been given the higher pay. Other leaders said despite being a poor State, Tripura had given the enhanced pay scale to its employees.
The situation has worsened as employees of the Manipur Secretariat Services Association have joined in. Employees of essential services have hinted at joining the strike.