Nagaland DRDA offices close down again, protest resumes against non-release of pay

DRDA offices across the state were locked down today in protest against the non release of salaries. 

Morung Express News
Kohima | November 11

District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) offices in the 11 districts were seen locked today, as they resumed agitation against the non release of monthly salary. 

The move comes two months since the agitation was suspended on September 10, 2019 following the move to release the salaries till the month of July. 

DRDA officials said it had not received any salary after July nor had been given any verbal or written assurance from concerned department or the state government. The RD Department has said that it had not received any intimation regarding the move to resume the ongoing agitation. 

RD Principal Secretary Bendangkokba, IAS meanwhile informed on phone that "we have received the central share and the file is under process and is with the Planning Department. Once the Planning Department clears the files, then it will go to Finance department and they will release the money."  

Even in earlier instances, the RD officials had requested the aggrieved employees to call-off the agitation. However, the DRDA officials said the shutdown of offices will continue for an “indefinite period” until the charter of demands for immediate release of pending salary and monthly payment of salary henceforth by coming up with a permanent solution are met. 

The DRDA staff earlier undertook a month-long phase wise agitation which was formally launched after submitting a representation letter to the state government on August 9.

With regard to the salary issue, the Principal Secretary clarified that although the matter is being pursued, it will take some time as the process will include a series of deliberations between the state government, finance department and others concerned. 

"Releasing money is not a matter of one or two days," he noted. 

"The proposal is submitted to the Planning Department and the Finance Department releases, which is disbursed to the 11 DRDAs. Since the process takes time, no assurances can be given," the Principal Director stated, and appealed to the DRDAs to understand the situation.