Over 16 lakh government employees in UP begin 3-day strike

LUCKNOW: Over 16 lakh government employees in Uttar Pradesh today began a three-day strike, demanding promotion and cashless medical facilities.

The employees, under the banner of Rajya Karmchari Sanyukt Parishad ( RKSP), boycotted work on the first day and held protests to press for their demands.

Basic Education, Secondary Education Directorate, Social Welfare, Public Works Department, Labour, Transport, Treasury, Agriculture and Accounts offices remained closed while employees were seen protesting at the gates of their respective departments.

"The state government had accepted four demands in 2013 during 'Maha-hartal', which was called off after the intervention of the High Court. However, these demands were not fulfilled. Over 16 lakh employees today boycotted work to press for their demands," President, RKSP, Harikishore Tiwari said.'

He said after three days the Parishad would formulate the future strategy and the strike could be extended for an indefinite period.

"In 2013, state government had accepted four main demands, including cashless treatment, promotion of tehsildar (revenue officers), promotion of sanitation workers and time bound promotions of clerks," he said and demanded immediate fulfilment of government's promises.

Meanwhile, traffic was thrown out of gear in the city and massive jams were witnessed in busy areas like Hazratganj and Vidhan Sabha Marg due to the protests by the employees.

The three-day strike call was given by RKSP yesterday.