Karnataka   

Chitradurga CMC staff strike enters fifth day

Chitradurga: The indefinite pen-down strike by staff of the City Municipal Council entered the fifth day on Monday. The employees alleged that neither the district administration nor higher officials of the CMC had made efforts to redress their grievances.

The employees are demanding revocation of suspension of seven employees and initiation of legal action against municipal commissioner T. Jayanna for alleged misbehaviour with a woman employee.On January 5, seven employees, including office administrator Mahantesh were suspended on charges of roughing up Mr. Jayanna inside his cabin, following which he filed a police complaint. They are now on bail.

Mr. Mahantesh, who is also president of the civic employees association, told The Hindu that the Government had taken a hasty decision without considering their complaints. “It was a unilateral decision. The district administration did not take our views into consideration before initiating action,” he said. He accused Mr. Jayanna of indulging in caste politics.

Several women employees who are also on strike, accused Mr. Jayanna of being unprofessional. “His behaviour with women was not appropriate. We felt uncomfortable entering his cabin,” said Renuka, second division assistant. She demanded his immediate suspension.

On the functioning of CMC, Mr. Mahantesh said that although administrative work had been affected, civic works were continuing. “In the interests of the people, we have ensured that civic works are not affected by our strike,” he said. However, he made it clear that if their demands were not met, the staff would intensify their agitation by involving CMC workers as well.

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