February 22, 2012
Maa, Mati, Manush Government in favour of work culture, to counter Bandh
Kolkata, February 22: The Trinamool-led government issued an order stating that no government employee would be granted leave on February 28. Several trade unions had called an industrial strike next Tuesday, February 28.
The government order barring leave before a general strike is unparalleled in Bengal where shutdowns and disruptions enjoyed the barely concealed blessings of the administration when the opposition was in power.
A circular from the Chief Secretary issued on Tuesday makes this clear. `Government employees will not be granted leave on that day,` it says.
Industries Minister Mr.Partha Chatterjee told a daily that: `The order issued today reflects the government`s and the Trinamool`s determination to foil the strike. We believe that strikes and bandhs hamper development. We oppose it tooth and nail. We have not given a call for a bandh in the last two years. We will start a campaign and hold public meetings opposing the general strike.` He said, `Only this can ensure that the strike is foiled. Some employees are bound to face problems reaching office. But we support today’s order.`
