More than 10,000 government employees working under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in Mizoram have launched a three-day strike. The employees, who play an important part in implementing Central schemes, have been working without permanent status for years.
These protests aim to draw attention to the need for regularisation of their services. They have been demanding the same for some time now in vain. Discussions with the Mizoram government in the past have not borne fruit.
The agitation has been organised by the All Mizoram CSS Employees Coordination Committee (AMCECC), which represents employees across 16 departments. According to official data, there are 10,654 contractual employees under CSS in the state.
With the exception of those working under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), employees from all departments are participating in the strike.
The protesters wish for greater job security, fair employment terms, and an end to prolonged contractual status.
The state government has responded with warnings. H Lalengmawia, acting chief secretary, has cautioned that disciplinary action may be taken against those who show support to the strike.
This includes the possibility of dismissal under the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy, which has come into effect from 14 April.
Authorities claim that steps have already been taken towards regularisation. An office memorandum aligned with approved recruitment rules has already been issued.
Meetings between government officials and AMCECC leaders have failed to bring any result, and hence, the current strike.
The government has made it clear that any regularisation process must adhere strictly to constitutional and procedural guidelines.
Despite the threat of repercussions, the striking employees continue to protest demanding a resolution, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction over job insecurity amongst the state government employees.
