SHILLONG, MAR 17: The Joint Action Committee Meghalaya Muster Roll Workers Union has threatened to stage an indefinite sit‑in-demonstration infront of the U Kiang Nangbah statue at Barik if Chief Minister Conrad Sangma does not invite them for talks by April 9.
Chairman K Pariat told reporters Tuesday’s meeting marked “the beginning of intensified agitation”.
“This is because the chief minister had assured to meet us in the month of January…we have waited and till now there is nothing done,” he said.
Pariat said many muster roll workers eligible to retire at 60 were being forced out at 58 and that departments under Sangma’s portfolios had failed to apply personnel orders.
“It is not that we want the chief minister to meet us,” Pariat said, “but the fact is because the personnel and finance departments are portfolios held by him.”
He said that in December the CM told them “be patience I will meet you in the month of January” and at a pre‑budget meeting also promised to examine the VDA issue, but there has been no follow‑up.
The JAC cited unimplemented wage revisions for unskilled, semi‑skilled and skilled workers, delays of up to three months in pay, and non‑application of Regular Casual Workers rules in a PHE wing that employs 3,000‑4,000 muster rolls.
In sericulture, handloom and weaving, women tending silk worms are paid only once in nine months, he said, and handloom workers have received no salary since July.
“We have unanimously decided to call for an indefinite sit-in-demonstration (if there is no response by April 9). We however hope that the chief minister will invite us for talks so that we get clarity,” Pariat said.
“If permission is not granted, we will not hesitate to come out to the street,” he warned.
The chairman said repeated letters from the personnel department “remain only in paper”, leaving staff without benefits despite official orders.
“…many letters and communications have come out from the personnel department but…they remain only in paper as they are not being implemented by the government offices.”
He questioned whether “the officers did not get the order or it is just because they wish not to implement,” citing an order that muster roll workers retire at 60 that departments apply as 58.
On wages, Pariat said people who have worked for more than five years should see enhanced pay for unskilled, semi‑skilled and skilled categories, “but the officers are not implementing this.”
By Our Reporter
