Andhra Pradesh Non-Gazetted Officers’ Association has decided to temporarily call off their 66-day strike against division of the State.
Following another round of talks with Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and Group of Ministers here today, the Association President P. Ashok Babu, announced they have decided to call off the strike but said they were steadfast on ensuring that the State remains united.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the representatives of the associations decided that they would continue to fight for a unified State but were reverting to work as their strike was causing hardship to people.
The decision comes after an assurance by the Chief Minister that he would strive to ensure that Andhra Pradesh remains a unified State and NGOs would get a chance to express their concerns with appropriate authorities.
Accordingly, the striking employees announced they will get back to work from Friday morning.
Ashok Babu said that before meeting the Core Committee formed by the Centre, the Save United AP Forum would discuss various concerns and issues and present their case.
He said that there were several stages where their views could be presented to press for retaining the State as a unified Andhra Pradesh. This includes representations to central and state leaders and also when the issue comes up in the State Legislative Assembly for approval.
Due to the strike and in spite of hardship to employees’ families, Rs 2,700 crore in the form of salaries was not collected by the staff.
>rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in
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