Employees of the Maharashtra state government have threatened to go on an indefinite strike starting March 14, 2023, in favour of the old pension scheme. Teachers’ unions in the state have also supported this move. This strike is expected to impact the ongoing 10th and 12th written exams conducted by the state board.
One of the demands of the strike is the implementation of the old pension scheme. Additionally, the Maharashtra State Government Employees Federation (MSGEF) has also called for a dearness allowance equal to what central government employees receive. The strike notice will be given to the government on February 24.
Subhash More, the working president of Shikshak Bharati, has informed that his organisation has decided to participate in the indefinite strike, as has MLC Kapil Patil, who has appealed to all headmasters, teachers, and non-teaching staff to join the strike for the old pension. The state class 10 exams (starting March 3) and class 12 exams (starting Feb 21) will take place during the strike.
The HSC science practicals, orals, and internal assessments, which began on February 1, have also been affected by the strike. Science colleges had planned to complete the practical exams by February 20, before the start of theory exams the following day.
However, the junior college teachers’ association has supported the indefinite strike by non-teaching staff from across universities in the state, causing a disruption in the practical exam schedule. This has made it difficult for many colleges to conduct exams on time, leading to difficulties in completing the practical exams by the deadline of February 20th.
