TRIVANDRUM, 6 March — Life in Kerala came to a standstill yesterday on account of a 24-hour general strike called by trade unions in the state, even as the government declared a state-wide holiday.
All unions, except the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC), participated in the strike in support of the agitation by nearly half a million government employees to protest the withdrawal of financial sops.
The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government, in order to ensure that things did not go out of hand, declared a state-wide holiday for all government offices and educational institutions.
However, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations went ahead according to schedule.
State Chief Minister A.K. Antony said he had decided to declare a holiday as he had information that certain elements were out to create trouble.
The Kerala Assembly yesterday saw turbulent scenes on account of the strike. It saw an adjournment motion being moved by the opposition, but after the government’s reply, the speaker denied leave for the motion.
The opposition at first boycotted the proceedings but soon returned to shout anti-government slogans for over three hours. Antony asserted there was no way the state government could go back on the withdrawal of financial sops.
“We are open for talks but there is no way we could restore the benefits that have been cut. If the strike continues, then a stage could come when employees would not even be paid their monthly salaries. We are fast approaching such a scenario,” said Antony.
“So I appeal to the opposition to see that the strike is called off and when the situation improves we could have a discussion,” he said. But the opposition continued to shout slogans till the house ended business. Sources said they did not go into the well of the house for fear of severe disciplinary action.
Outside the assembly, striking trade unions and government employees staged a massive protest. Even the state-owned transport corporation did not ply vehicles.
Government hospitals were closed. Banking establishments were also affected because certain bank unions pledged their support to the strike. All shops and commercial establishments were closed. However, no untoward incident was reported in the state on account of the strike.
Talks were also held yesterday between the striking unions owing allegiance to the UDF and government leaders to meet to find a solution to the strike that began Feb. 6.
