Strike hits central offices, banking in Meghalaya

Central government offices and banking services, barring State Bank of India, were affected by the 24-hour general strike called by trade unions, in protest against price rise and implementation of basic labour laws.

Picketers stalled functioning at various offices, including BSNL, general post office, income tax, LIC, accountant general, FCI, banks except SBI as well as offices of some central defence agencies, official sources said.

Though the strike did not evoke much response in state government offices, yet it had an impact at the Meghalaya Transport Corporation and state-run cement corporation offices.

Teachers in various colleges also did not attend classes.

Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions and Associations (MJCTUA), a conglomerate of 40 trade unions, submitted a 10-point memorandum memorandum to chief minister Mukul Sangma seeking national intervention on the issues.

Besides controlling price rise and strengthening PDS system, the trade body demanded employment protection, implementation of basic labour laws, a national fund for unorganised sector and stopping disinvestment of CPSUs.

"The demands should be considered in the overall interest of the vast majority of masses and also of the state and implement them at the earliest," JL Das, general secretary of the MJCTUA, said at rally organised in Shillong.

Representatives of various trade unions took a massive procession in the city carrying placards and banners pressing for their demands.