AR-STRIKE

Arunachal government terms strike by CoSAAP as 'illegal'
    Itanagar, Oct 11 (PTI) The Arunachal Pradesh
government has termed the two-day pen and tool down strike
called by employees under the banner of Confederation of
Service Associations of Arunachal (CoSAAP) as 'illegal',
officials said Thursday.
    The state government in an order on Wednesday termed
the strike as 'illegal and said stern action would be taken
against employees taking part in the strike, the official
said.
    "Any government employee taking part in the pen/tool
down strike shall be in gross contravention with CCS (Conduct)
Rules, and such employees will be liable for disciplinary
proceedings under CCS (CCA) Rules and other relevant
Act/Rules," the government order said.
    The Cabinet has recently decided to grant the House
Rent Allowance (HRA) and Tough Location Allowance (TLA)
despite the 'precarious' financial condition of the state, it
said.
    "The decisions were taken by the state cabinet keeping
very sympathetic view towards the members of the Confederation
in spite of the fact that it will involve an estimated
financial implication of approximately, Rs 90 crore per
annum," a government notification said.
    The CoSAAP has called the two-day strike from Thursday
in protest against non-fulfilment of various demands.
    The CoSAAP has been demanding the 7th Central pay
commission allowances in toto, along with other service
benefits for the employees.
    Besides housing rent allowance (HRA) and tough
location allowance (TLA), the CoSAAP has been demanding the
government to provide non-practicing allowance for doctors,
children education allowance, transport allowance,
non-teaching allowance for teachers.
    Meanwhile, the CoSAAP general secretary Gonya Riba
claimed the strike was successful and functioning in state
government offices in the state were affected due to the
strike.
    Riba said that the confederation would go ahead with
its proposed series of agitational programme if the state
government fails to fulfil their demands. PTI UPL
RG RG