The Shiv Sena and the Congress today attacked the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the ongoing strike of state employees for various demands.
They said the strike is indicative of the "failure" of the ruling dispensation on various fronts.
Around 17 lakh class 3 and class 4 employees of the state government went on three-day strike, which began yesterday for various demands, including implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission and filling up of vacant posts.
Sena president Uddhav Thackeray said that instead of mulling action against the striking employees, the government should fulfill their demands.
"Everybody, right from farmers to government employees have gone on strike. Instead of taking action against them, the government should solve their problems. The environment of the state is deteriorating," Thackeray said in a statement issued here.
He said these protests were a result of pre-election "jumlas" (false promises).
"Had 'jumlas' from 'Garibi hatao' to 'Acche din' been translated into action, there would not have been dissatisfaction among the people. People were fooled by leaders who wanted to get elected. And the result is before us," he said.
Despite being a constituent in the BJP-led NDA government, the Sena's relations with the BJP are soured over a period of time.
Thackeray said the farmers as well as the government employees coming out on the streets should not be construed as "protests", but their fight for rights.
"If people are having to fight for employment and justice, one cannot say where this country is heading towards. Issues being faced by the people have to be solved with compassion," he said.
Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan said that not only the employees but the farmers and the state transport workers are also tired of the BJP government.
"The employees have time and again demanded implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission, however, instead of promises, they have received nothing. I had myself written to the Chief Minister on January 9 and asked him to implement the Seventh Pay Commission," Chavan stated.
He said the entire government machinery had shut down due to the strike.
Chavan said teaching staff and doctors have remained absent from work on the second day of the strike today, which has started affecting the people.
"Instead of initiating a dialogue with striking employees, the government is threatening them with action," he said.
According to an official from the General Administration department, 79.54 per cent Class 3 employees reported to work while 65.28 per cent Class 4 employees remained present today.
"Since Zilla Parishad Karmachari Mahasangh had already decided to not take part in the strike, there has not been much effect on health services. Even employees of water distribution department have remained present. Hence almost all essential services have been covered," he said.
The government had said that the employees' decision to go on strike will be construed as "misbehaviour" and disciplinary action will be taken against them.
The government had issued a resolution (GR) stating that the 7th pay commission will be implemented from January 2019.
The demand of employees for a five-day week and raising the retirement age from 58 years to 60 years will be taken up during Diwali, an official had said.
The arrears will be paid in the salaries of employees for August month, as per the GR.
If the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission is delayed, the employees will get the benefit as per the wage structure of the central government employees from January 2019, the government had stated.
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