IMPHAL, June 18: A ceasework strike called by the All Manipur Minor Irrigation Department Employees Association from June 10 demanding the release of 10 months due salaries was called off after a meeting with the MI Parliamentary Secretary K Meghachandra today.
Five representatives of the agitating employees’ body led by its president S Sanjoy met with the government team including Parliamentary Secretary K Meghachandra, Principal Secretary Ahkhiles Jha, Chief Engineer Minor Irrigation Shyam Babu and Assistant Secretary Gopen Meetei at the New Secretariat Building today from 3:30pm to 5pm.
Addressing media persons at the end of the meeting, S Sanjoy of the employees’ body said that the strike has been called off following assurance from the government team that their 10 months salaries will be paid at the earliest.
However, the strike will be resumed if in case the assurance is fulfilled by July 31, he added.
On the other hand, K Meghachandra said that the issue has been seriously discussed however due to the shortage of funds with the department, the salaries could not be released in time, however, four months salaries for the employees of the Minor Irrigation have already been approved in the current budget and have been deposited with the Finance department, he added.
He further said that he will also argue with the Minister of Minor Irrigation department to look into the matter and asked for a review salary estimated of the department.