NAMSAI, Oct 12: Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Friday said that the government was in no mood to budge as it has done enough on the demands of the Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP) earlier, such as enhancement of retirement age in spite of opposition from various quarters and most importantly the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission recommendations, the first in North East India.
In a meeting with the government employees of Namsai district at the district secretariat conference hall here, the DCM, while briefing the employees regarding the pen/tool down strike called by CoSAAP and the government’s stand, said, at present 70 percent funds were being allocated for salaries, while a meagre 30 percent is left to undertake other welfare and development activities.
He added that the government was bound to spend consciously so that overdraft could be avoided and that decisions cannot be taken which may become a financial burden at a later staged.
He, however, said “the government will do everything possible for the welfare of the employees provided it is within the capacity of available revenue and resources”.
He was stern while saying that CoSAAP has been run by a “handful of people and has taken the government for granted”.
The DCM said, “The government is very clear as it will not budge with the actions of CoSAAP”.
He appealed to the employees to support and cooperate with the government, or be ready to face the consequences in terms of action as per rules.
“As per rule, disciplinary proceedings will be initiated,” he said, adding that the present government was being run with a strong political will.
Offices function normally: Govt
Meanwhile, all offices under the departments functioned in a normal manner across the state during the day.
According to reports received from deputy commissioners, all officers and officials attended their respective offices in Lower Siang, Tawang, Namsai, Lower Dibang Valley, Yupia, West Kameng and other districts, said a government press statement.
“Sporadic instances of participation in the pen/tool down agitation were reported and accordingly, dies non with resultant break in service has been initiated against such delinquent employees,” the statement added.
The statement from the chief secretary’s office said that in-charge Chief Secretary Dr Ashish Chandra Verma, along with a team of senior officers inspected the Civil Secretariat, Itanagar and other offices on Friday.
It further said that the state Government is committed to employees’ welfare, transparency and efficient delivery of public services and firmly resolved to undertake all necessary steps, measures and actions to ensure the progress, development and wellbeing of all the people of the state at large.
Lower Dibang Valley district reported no visible effects of the pen/tool down agitation called by the CoSAAP. The government offices and schools function normally and the government schools conducted exams as scheduled smoothly and successfully, informed the DIPRO.
Deputy Commissioner Mitali Namchoom informed that the DC office and other administrative establishments function smoothly in the district with officers and staff in attendance.
In Dibang Valley district, a team of government officers, led by Deputy Commissioner Wayong Khimhun conducted surprise checking in various government offices on Thursday and Friday and the chief secretary was reported against the employees found absent from their duties.
Surprise visit will be carried out from time to time and the report on absenteeism will be forwarded to the chief secretary for taking stern action. (DCM Media Cell/ DIPROs)
APCC flays govt, supports CoSAAP demands
ITANAGAR, Oct 12: Extending solidarity with the agitating Confederation of Service Association of Arunachal Pradesh (CoSAAP), the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) vehemently condemned the ‘threat’ given by Chief Minister Pema Khandu of ‘salary deduction’ and ‘termination of job’ of the government employees.
“Threatening the government employees openly in a public meeting at Pasighat exposes Khandu’s fascist nature,” the APCC said in a release.
Stating that CoSAAP’s demand for grant of allowances in toto as per the 7th CPC is genuine and should be implemented, the APCC said that the Central government has implemented the 7th Pay Commission and state government has to comply with and implement it in total.
“Using pressure tactics against the employees, Pema is creating riot of disparity and deprivation. He (Pema Khandu) should know that there is no rule to terminate the regular employees without adverse evidences,” the APCC added.
