THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The secretariat premises is likely to become more tense in the coming days after the Last Grade Servants Rank Holders Association decided to intensify the protest as the government showed no signs of sympathy. Civil police officer rank holders rallied parents and relatives to the strike venue and intensified the protest.
No resolution was reached in the discussions between the Chief Minister's Political Secretary Dinesh Puthalath and Private Secretary R Mohanan and the association on Friday from 11 pm to 1 pm. Representatives and family members from all districts and last grade ranks will join the protest. Representatives from 14 districts will attend the strike on Sunday and Monday.
The protesters are seeking the support of prominent leaders. There are indications that the government is of the view that there should be no direct discussion till the election is declared. It is learnt that Minister Thomas Isaac may discuss the matter as a last resort.
About ten demands were submitted by the rank holders. The government agreed to accept four things. The protesters were assured that promotions would be made expeditiously, all vacant posts would be reported, all vacancies set aside for dependent appointments without applicants would be reported to the PSC, and that the decisions taken by the previous Cabinet regarding the reporting of vacancies would be implemented immediately.
Laya Rajesh, leader of the strike committee, said that this is useless and that only nominal appointments would be made.
Tried best to reach a compromise
DYFI state president S Satheesh said that they did their best to settle the strike. It was clarified in the discussion that arrangements can be made to make maximum appointments before the expiry of the list. Many of their needs have practical impediments. They are asking to create posts. That is not possible immediately. DYFI will not take the initiative for another discussion.
Sayana Pradakshinam
As part of the strike, rank holder staged 'Sayana Pradakshinam' in front of the secretariat on Saturdaymorning. Following this, Kannur natives Deepak and Mithun were admitted to the hospital after feeling unwell.