|
|
|
Money matters (October 22) The ongoing strike launched by the JAC of employees has severely affected functioning of the Government offices for the past few days. Now the employees of the Secretariat as well as all those employees now on pen down strike have threatened to cease work with effect from today to mount further pressure on the Government to fulfill their long-standing demands. The demands are nothing new. The striking employees have been demanding payment of salaries on regular basis and a review of the decision taken by the Government to cut allowances in an attempt to improve the financial position. The total strength of the government staff is estimated at 80,000 and it is estimated that the State requires not less than Rs 70 crores each month for paying its employees. Given the acute financial problems being faced by the State, the Government has not been able to pay salaries and pensions, on a regular basis for the past one-year or so. The Government has also admitted that the fund meant for developmental projects and public welfare programs are being utilized in paying up the employees. As a matter of fact, due to the fund constraint, development works have come to a complete halt. Under the circumstances, the Government has been finding it very difficult to release salaries for the employees in the first week of each month. So far it, has been managing the salaries with funds provided by the Center after the State made repeated requests. Reports said that the RBI has lifted the ban imposed on transaction by the Manipur Government. With the lifting of the ban, the Government may be able to clear the outstanding salaries, but there is always the uncertainty for the next months. Finding faults are very easy, what is very difficult is finding solutions to the problem of fund constraint. This may be true, but any responsible Government will spare no efforts to improve things. The State Government, of course, has taken up some measures like a cut in allowances, abolition of posts etc. But this has not been, as all know, effective that much. The government has also been talking about resource mobilization, but the drive for collection of all kinds of tax has been left with much to be desired. This needs to be strengthened. Like an ostrich we cannot wish away the financial crisis. Another important thing to be kept in mind when we talk about enhancing the economy is to have a drastic cut on Government expenditure. As long as we continue to waste money, the State will continue to face the problem. Indeed, it will worsen further in the years to come. We cannot think of depending on the Center all the time. We need to enhance the economic activity of the State and mobilize its own resources. (Courtesy:
The Sangai Express) FrontPage Manipur Profiles Features Potpourri Opinions Editorials Books Photos Links Archives Contact Policy/Disclaimer |
