ASSEMBLY POLL '98
COMMENTARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTIONS '98
ARCHIVES

Karnataka strike continues

Work in government offices and the functioning of hospitals in Karnataka continued to be paralysed as the indefinite strike by government employees entered the second day.

With over 600,000 employees striking for the implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations, the administration has come to a literal standstill despite the government's invoking the Provisions of the Essential Maintenance Act.

State Government Employees Association president Sippegowda held an executive meeting to discuss their future course of action. A source said the meeting decided to continue the strike following the "poor response" from the government.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister J H Patel, talking to the Bangalore Doordarshan, said he held discussions with the strikers. Both sides, according to him, have broadly agreed on certain issues.

He said the government was already giving basic pay almost at par with that of the Centre. Only the house rent and city compensatory allowances varied.

Patel assured that the government would help the employees. The cabinet meeting, scheduled Wednesday, would discuss the HRA and CCA and take a final decision.

Employees could not dictate terms and they should call off their strike and participate in discussions after the cabinet meeting, the chief minister said.

UNI

Tell us what you think of this report