Monday, April 5, 2010

ESMA invoked in Jammu & Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday invoked the Essential Service Maintenance Act (ESMA) against the government employees as they continued their strike for the third consecutive day.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday evening.

The government employees have been observing strike in support of their demand for release of sixth pay commission arrears and enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60.

Total strike was observed for third consecutive day on Monday in government offices, civil secretariat and PSUs on a call given by various employees unions. Police lathicharged the employees when they tried to march towards Secretariat in Jammu.

Earlier in the day, the state government appealed to the striking employees to resume their duties and shun the path of confrontation.

"We appeal to the striking employees to shun the path of confrontation and resume their duties as their strike is not good for the development and people of the state," Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said while giving a statement in the Assembly.

"Confrontation is neither good for government nor for the state. The government was sincere in fulfilling the demands of employees but it depends on availability of funds," Rather said.

He also appealed to parties to desist from indulging in politics on the issue.

The Minister gave a detailed account of efforts the government has been making for the release of sixth pay commission arrears to the state employees.

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