Employee stir stalls secretariat functioning, House proceedings

Ranchi, Mar 11 (UNI) The Jharkhand government employees agitation entered the fourth day today leading to an impasse in the state secretariat functioning following the self-immolation bid by two fourth grade employees on March 7.

The issue continued to trouble the government as the BJP-led Opposition raised the matter in the first half of the Assembly leading to din and then adjournment of the House not allowing any other business to emerge.

As the members were engaged in war of attrition inside the House, The Jharkhand State Secretariat Fourth Grade Employees Association (JSSFGEA), which was spearheading the strike got support fom another organisation--Jharkhand State Employees Federation (JSEF).

The JSEF said they would burn the effigy of Chief Minister Madhu Koda tomorrow at Kachhari Chowk here.

Earlier, a procession was taken out during the day by the federation members wearing black badges.

JSEF Deputy Secretary S Rehman said the procession covered various government establishment including industry department, road construction department and minning department located in the state caiptal.

On March 7, two fourth grade employees tried to immolate themselves in the secretariat demanding distribution of bonus and enhancement of their grades under assured career promotion. One of them was rushed to Safderjung Hospital in New Delhi in critical condition.

The matter also rocked the House yeterday following its adjournment for several times.

Mr D N Choudhary, general secretary of Jharkhand State Secretariat Association, said that employees would go on mass leave on March 26 if the government fails to fulfill their demands.

''A letter in this regard has already been sent to Mr Koda,'' Mr Choudhary said.

UNI AM-PRS ADG MSJ RS1855