The government employees in Karnataka have announced an indefinite strike starting today i.e., 1st March 2023. The strike is to protest the proposed restructuring of their pension system. Karnataka State Government employees urge the fulfillment of various demands. It includes the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission report, reverting to an old pension scheme, and the implementation of at least 40% of fitment facilities.
The indefinite strike warning from Karnataka state government employees comes at a time when the Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai government is adhering to every good thread ahead of the election for the state assembly. The current Karnataka Legislative Assembly will end on May 24, 2023.
C S Shadakshari, president of Karnataka State Government Employees Association (KSGEA), met with Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma and some other government officials from the Finance department to discuss the issues. Unfortunately, this meeting fails to reach any agreement.
After the meeting, KSGEA’s president said he had informed government officials that we would end the strike only if they issued an order and accept our demands. However, the government needs time to seek a report from the pay commission and implement it.
In response to the strike, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said that the administration is ready to seek an interim report from the 7th Pay Commission immediately and implement its recommendations. Even though the chief minister has made efforts to end the strike, employees are going ahead with their plans.
Shadakshari has said that there is already an 8-month delay, and they cannot wait any longer. He also added that since the new government is not yet decided, he doesn’t know what to expect from them. So, employees have decided to go on strike voluntarily.
Impacts of Indefinite strike
This indefinite strike is expected to severely impact most public services, except for some critical ones like transportation and emergency medical treatment. The strike will surely make a huge impact on revenue collection, schools, and pre-university examinations. Also, the services of Mahanagara Palike and Pura Sabha, including civic workers as well as various energy supply companies may be disrupted.
Karnataka state government must now work hard to resolve the conflicts with the employees and end the strike at the earliest. So that the services can resume like before and things go on a smooth track before the state assembly election.