Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress-led staff organisations under the Secretariat Employees Association on Monday launched a day and night agitation against the government’s decision to form Kerala Administrative Service (KAS). The agitation which began in front of the secretariat, however, did not have much impact on the secretariat functioning. Officials said more than 80pe cent of the staff was present in office on Monday. KPCC president V M Sudheeran who inaugurated the day and night agitation, lashed out at the LDF Government for bringing such an important matter as outside agenda in Cabinet.
“Such unilateral decisions are not expected from a democratically elected government. There should be a consensus on issues concerning Secretariat which is the administrative headquarters of the state government,” he said. The agitation launched by the Congress led association has the indirect backing of Left led staff organisations particularly the CPI. The CPM led Secretariat association has hesitatingly supported KAS saying that it is in the larger interest of the society.
LDF Convenor Vaikom Viswan said that the agitation of employees was because of some misunderstanding. “Those opposing the government decision will stop their agitation once they understand the importance of KAS for the state,” he said. Meanwhile, government sources said that strict action would be taken against the staff who are resorting to strike. Those trying to disrupt the function of Secretariat will be dealt with strictly, as senior officer said .
