Maharashtra Government Warns Of Action As Employees Declare Indefinite Strike

Mumbai: State government employees declared an indefinite strike from April 21, pressing for restoration of the old pension scheme and clearing of pending dues; This is a move that is likely to disrupt administrative work between departments.

The then Eknath Shinde-led government had assured them that their grievances would be resolved, including the implementation of a revised pension scheme from March 1, 2024, the Government, Semi-Government, Teacher and Non-Teaching Staff Coordination Committee said on Monday. However, no notification has been issued in the last two years, he said, adding that employees who retired after the last date were not eligible to benefit from the revised retirement benefits.

Around 17 lakh employees, including teachers and non-teaching staff, are expected to participate in the strike. Their demands include revamping the old pension scheme for teachers appointed before November 1, 2005, filling 35 per cent of vacancies to ease the workload, introducing an improved career progression plan and implementing a cashless health insurance scheme.

In their statement, the labor unions said, “We had submitted 17 basic demands to the Eknath Shinde government. We were given an official assurance that decisions on these demands would be taken after independent discussions at the General Secretary level. However, during the 15-month tenure of the current Mahayuti government, our demands were completely ignored. It is incomprehensible that a government that calls itself ‘sensitive’ keeps the doors of dialogue closed without giving the organization the opportunity to make its voice heard. The government’s attitude Refusing to participate in the discussion is inherently anti-worker.”

Meanwhile, the General Administration Department (GAD) issued a circular warning that participating in the strike would be considered misconduct and demanded disciplinary action. It was reiterated that the “No Work, No Wage” policy would be implemented during the strike. In services covered by the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA), employees participating in a strike may face legal action under the Act.

Department heads were instructed not to leave the center during the strike period. The circular also states that no leave will be allowed while the strike is ongoing and police assistance may be requested to ensure offices operate as per schedule.