22-02-2023 : The Karnataka State Government Employees Union has set a one-week deadline for the government to fulfill their demands, which include implementing the old pension scheme (OPS). C S Shadakshari, the Union President, stated that if the demands are not met by February 28, government employees will go on an indefinite strike starting from March 1. This announcement was made at an emergency meeting of the organization held on Tuesday at the Government Employees’ Hall in Cubbon Park.
Shadakshari further elaborated on the employees’ demands, stating that before the Model Code of Conduct for polls takes effect, the state government should obtain an interim report from the 7th pay commission and implement a 40 percent fitment facility. He cited the states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh, which have already reverted to the Old Pension Scheme in the interest of government employees, and urged Karnataka to do the same.
Additionally, Shadakshari expressed dissatisfaction with the recent Karnataka budget presented by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, stating that it did not meet the expectations of the employees. He urged employees to unite and fight for their rights, despite the government’s potential use of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to intimidate them.
Former association president Bhairappa expressed support for the strike, stating that retired state government employees would also participate. Shadakshari even threatened to boycott elections if the government did not meet the fair demands of the employees.
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