Threatens Nagaland State-wide agitation
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 17 (MExN): The All Nagaland Electricity Field Workers Association (ANEFWA) has issued an ultimatum to the Chief Engineer of the Power Department of the Government of Nagaland that if the workers’ “TBS of pay” is not awarded in time, it will initiate a Contempt of Court action against “the respondent” and start a Nagaland State-wide agitation to the extent of “Tools down.”
Faced with an “apathetic attitude” from the authority concerned, the ANEFWA said it is “compelled” to issue this “instant ultimatum.” The statement from the ANEFWA’s president, Kelhousevi, and general secretary, Ayeto Sumi, reminded that after having been denied their rights, the matter was taken to the Guwahati High Court. While ruling in the ANEFWA’s favour, the Court directed “the respondents” to “pay us the TBS of pay from the date when the same became due within 3 (three) months in the light of the judgment and order dated 23-08-2012 and having not meet the directions in pretense that we are not entitled for the same by misinterpreting the Rules, by the second round of litigation initiated by us, the Hon’ble Court again directed the respondents to comply with the direction given by the Hon’ble Court Vide order dated 23-08-2012 passed in W.P(C) No. 63(K) of 2012 within 3 (three) months by order dated 06-05-2013 and the targeted date set by the Hon’ble Court have expired on 08-08-2013.”
Despite the lapse of six months after the targeted date set by the Court, the Government has been unable to pay the “TBS of pay” to the workers, it was informed. Some of the workers from the Association have been entitled to the same since 1995 while some have already retired from service without getting their due benefits, highlighted the letter. Having been “denied” justice for long enough and having the Power Department staff not discharge their duties on the matter, the Association decided to issue this ultimatum through a resolution dated February 14, 2014, by its Executive Council.
It noted that “this Association is compelled to submit this ultimatum and direct you to award the TBS of pay from the date when the same became due and to pay the past arrear till date in total compliance of the Hon’ble Court’s Order within a grace period of 30 days from the date of receipt of this ultimatum failing which, it is hereby made clear that this Association have resolved to initiate Contempt of Court Proceeding against the respondent.”
The ANEFWA also revealed that “employees of only 2 to 3 Division have been awarded TBS of pay and arrear bill of the same up to date submitted to your office which is yet to be paid and for the remaining Divisions, TBS of pay have not been added in the salary and arrear bill have been prepared only for the work-charge period and not up to date which is in total violation of the Rules and the Hon’ble Court’s direction.” The body reminded the Government that it is a “big force” with enough “caliber and competence” to “mobilize public opinion and judgment and bring to book the condemner of the Hon’ble Court’s Order.”
