Jammu, May 24: Normal work in most of the government and Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) offices remained paralysed across Jammu region on first day of three day employees ‘Kaam Chhoro Hartal’ today, being observed on the call of Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).
 In Jammu, the main demonstration was held after hundreds of government and PSU employees assembled in front of Press Club here around 10 am.
 The demonstration was held under the banner of Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) of Jammu and Kashmir Government employees with the participation of several other employees’ unions.
 Protesting employees carrying banners and placards inscribed with their demands  were shouting  slogans  against the state government and in favour of their demands.
 The demands  highlighted by the protestors included enhancement in retirement age from 58 to 60 years, payment of pending 6th pay commission arrears, removal of pay anomalies, regularisation of daily wagers and contractual employees.
 Although the work in majority of offices of the region was affected, some offices little response of the strike call. The emergency units in hospitals and other essential services had been kept out of the purview of strike. Yet the general public had to suffer as many offices observed complete strike.
 Addressing a large gathering at Exhibition Ground, senior JCC leader, Ram Kumar Sharma condemned the government for not coming in terms with the employees. He said, “Due to non-serious approach of the government, the employees have been forced to take to streets”. He said nothing has been done on ground to concede the agreed demands in the meetings on February 19, 2009, May 14, 2010 and recently on September 15, 2011.
 In his address, Babu Hussain Malik, president Stationary and Offices Supplies Union said during last 15 years  subsequent governments have  failed to come up with  pro-employees policy adding that government claims 1,50,000 vacancies in different departments but failed to regularize daily wagers who are working on very meager salary for last many years.
 Pointing out to abolish pension scheme from January 2010, Malik demanded that the pension of MLA and MLC should also be stopped.
 Ganesh Khajuria, general secretary Teachers Federation called for the employees to be united. He said that next few days would be decisive and every effort should be made to build up pressure on government.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 IST