Shinde urges govt employees to withdraw strike

Kartikey Dev Singh

Mumbai: Maharashtra

CM Eknath Shinde on Tuesday appealed to state government employees, who are on an indefinite strike seeking restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), to withdraw their stir and stressed the government was positive and sympathetic about their demand.

Speaking in the state Assembly, Shinde said one can take an extreme step when there is no scope for a discussion, but in the present case the government is ready for talks with agitating employees as any decision on the pension scheme will have financial implications.

“I request them (government employees) to hold a discussion and withdraw the strike. They have to think and discuss the issue with the government and withdraw the strike in view of problems being faced by people,” he said.

Lakhs of state government employees went on an indefinite strike from Tuesday

I request them (govt employees) to hold a discussion and withdraw the strike. They have to think and discuss the issue with the govt and withdraw the strike in view of problems being faced by people.

—Eknath Shinde, CM seeking restoration of the OPS, a defined pension scheme offering 50 per cent of the last drawn salary, hampering functioning of various services and facilities at hospitals.

“You can decide to go on a strike whenever you want. But it is not necessary to go on a strike today. We also told them (employee associations) that those who will retire before a deci-

14 LAKH MAHA-GOVT EMPLOYEES GO ON INDEFINITE STRIKE DEMANDING OPS sion is taken (by the government on OPS) will get full benefits,” the CM said.

The new pension scheme was implemented in the state on November 1, 2005.

Shinde said his government is committed to ensure employees get a dignified and secured life post-retirement.

“But it is necessary to think about all available options before implementing the Old Pension Scheme and this has been brought to the notice of all employees,” he said. More on P8

BUDGET SESSION DAY 2: PARLIAMENT ADJOURNED AGAIN