EMRI workers announce indefinite hunger protest, govt directs action as per ESMA

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 28, 2019

SHILLONG: The state government has directed the district administration of East Khasi Hills to take action as per the Meghalaya Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) following the ongoing protest by the GVK EMRI employees, which has affected the emergency services in the state. 

“We have asked the deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police to fully implement the ESMA because the disruption of the emergency services has greatly affected the people across the state for the past one month,” health minister AL Hek told reporters here on Monday. 

He informed that the direction was given during the meeting held on October 23, in which the state government has decided to also issue a pre-termination notice to the GVK EMRI for resuming the emergency services within 60 days. 

Employees of the 108 ambulance service, who have gone on strike from September 30, have also decided to intensify their agitation by staging an indefinite hunger strike from Tuesday, as a mark of protest against the failures of the state government and the management of the GVK EMRI to address their 36-point charter of demands. 

The health minister however reiterated that the employees are not directly recruited by the state government but by the company. 

Asked, Hek said that the decision to terminate the contract with the GVK EMRI and accordingly float a new tender will be taken by the state government at an appropriate time.

In a statement issued recently, the GVK EMRI head Deepankar Choudhury informed that in spite of numerous efforts of the government and management in addressing the grievances, members of the MEMRIWU have turned down the proposals and went for strike from September 30. 

He alleged that the agitating staff had forcefully disrupted emergency services to common people and the management is taking some contingency actions to restore services. 

He said the strike carried out by employee association has been declared illegal by Government of Meghalaya. 108 Emergency Service is essential service to the people of Meghalaya and hence protected under The Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) Act. 

He said the GVK EMRI management appeal to the people of Meghalaya that in view of this strike, there may be some difficulties to common people.

“Management is trying all possible measures to maintain and run the emergency service during this period. We request to the people of Meghalaya for their support and co operation in this critical situation. We are committed to providing best Quality Services to the people in the State of Meghalaya always and highly obliged for the support received from the people of Meghalaya,” Choudhury said.