Imphal: The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Manipur State Committee, has extended its support to the ongoing strike launched by the Manipur Government Services Federation (MGSF), calling on the State Government to engage in constructive dialogue and address the employees’ long-standing demands.

In a statement issued on Monday, CITU described the agitation as a peaceful and democratic movement representing not only regular government employees but also contractual, casual, and muster roll workers who play a vital role in maintaining public services across the state.

The strike entered its second day on June 22. The MGSF, an affiliated body of the All India State Government Employees Federation (AISGEF), had earlier served notices to the concerned departments and authorities, announcing mass casual leave on June 22 and 23 as part of its protest programme.

Among the key demands raised by the employees’ federation are enhancement of the retirement age from 60 to 62 years, revision of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) on par with Central Government employees, restoration of Saturday holidays, and constitution of a State Pay Commission to facilitate implementation of the recommendations of the 8th Central Pay Commission.

The federation has also sought withdrawal of the National Pension System (NPS) and Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), along with restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Other demands include an end to selective re-engagement of retired employees, discontinuation of contractual appointments against sanctioned posts, and regularisation of contractual, casual, and muster roll workers.

Expressing solidarity with the movement, CITU urged the government to take meaningful steps to improve the welfare and working conditions of employees and workers in the state.

The statement was issued by Kshetrimayum Santa, Secretary of the CITU Manipur State Committee, based at Paona Bazar, Nambul Mapal, Imphal.