Bengal employees to go on strike over DA hike, Mamata Banerjee's govt says no leave allowed

"Absence of employees on that day will be treated as dies-non (break in service) and no salary will be admissible unless such absence is covered by hospitalisation of the employees or if there is bereavement in the family, severe illness and absence continuing prior to March 9," it said.

However, no action will be taken against employees who had been on Child Care Leave, Maternity Leave, Medical Leave and Earned Leave sanctioned before March 9, according to the order.

However, the protesting employees of 18 organisations, who have been demanding that their DA be raised to the level of what their counterparts in the central government get, stuck to the decision of holding the strike.

“Whatever step the government takes, we will observe the strike,” said one of the leaders of the agitating bodies.

They recently held a 48-hour pen-down agitation on this issue, ignoring warnings of action, while several employees are on a hunger strike.

West Bengal Governor Dr CV Ananda Bose said that he was "distressed" to know about the hunger strike.

He expressed hope that all those involved in the matter would find a suitable solution.

"I am distressed to learn that some of the employees are on hunger strike for weeks. Their commitment to the cause and their dedication to their fraternity is well understood and appreciated. Human life is precious and I entreat all to kindly withdraw the hunger strike,” Bose said in a statement released on Thursday night.

“For every problem, there is a solution. I trust that all stakeholders will work together for an acceptable solution," he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said at the assembly earlier this week that she would not be able to meet the demand for a DA hike even if the protesters “behead” her.

The government order on Thursday asked all heads of offices or controlling authorities concerned to issue show-cause notices to the employee who will remain absent on Friday.

"On receipt of satisfactory reply, leave due and admissible may be granted on production of documentary evidence on the grounds mentioned above," the order said.

Disciplinary action will be taken against those who will not be responding to the show-cause notice, the order stated.