Ignoring the finance department's circular against holding meetings, processions and demonstrations, the West Bengal Government Employees Union today organised a procession near the relocated state secretariat 'Nabanna' demanding its immediate withdrawal.
Nearly one hundred employees representing the Union (Nabaparjay), led by its Joint Secretary Utpal Mazumdar, assembled near the secretariat in the afternoon and proceeded towards it, while shouting slogans condemning the circular and demanding its withdrawal.
The police stopped the procession some distance away from the secretariat at the crossing of Madhab Dey Lane, where the employees burnt a copy of the government circular, saying that their rights had been taken away.
The Principal Secretary, Finance Department, H K Dwivedi refused to accept their memorandum, while the Union leaders refused to hand it over to the police and dispersed soon.
Employees at the relocated state secretariat, where Unions have not been allowed to open offices, were yesterday told that meetings, processions and demonstrations would also not be allowed there.
"No meeting, procession and demonstration shall be organised in the premises of Nabanna by any association, Union or group of employees," the circular issued by Dwivedi said.
It also warned that violation of the circular will attract provisions of the West Bengal Services (Duties, Rights and Obligations of the Government employees) Rules-1980 and action will be taken against employees as per the West Bengal Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules-1971.
The Union also demanded direct intervention of the Chief Minister to clear their DA arrears and withdraw transfer of their leaders immediately.
