Around 45,000 non-teaching staff members of private colleges in the State have gone on an indefinite strike from Tuesday demanding cancellation of a government resolution (GR) that blocks their salary benefits. Lower clerks and peons who were not promoted for 12 years would automatically get the benefits of a higher post. But two new GRs passed in December 2018 and February 2019 ended the old scheme.

Sudarshan Agre, vice president of Maharashtra Rajya Mahavidyalayin Sikshaketar Karamchari Sangh said that the employees’ income will be affected enormously due to the new GR. General Secretary of the Sangh, Madhav Rao said the strike will continue till government authorities initiate further talks.

Divisional secretary of the Mumbai board, Sharad Khandagale said the ongoing Higher Secondary Certificate board examinations will not be affected. “Professors are not involved in the strike. The examination will go on smoothly,” he said.