Date:01/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/01/stories/2007020112290400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

State staff want action on their demands

Special Correspondent

Kumaraswamy promises to look into them

BANGALORE: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy appears non-committal on fulfilling the various demands of the Karnataka State Government Employees' Association (KSGEA).

Addressing presspersons after a meeting with office-bearers of the KSGEA here on Wednesday, Mr. Kumaraswamy said he would discuss it with Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

Earlier, KSGEA president L. Byrappa read out the demands of the employees, including merger of 50 per cent of dearness allowance with the pay of employees and the increase in retirement age from 58 to 60 years.

The KSGEA has urged the Government to formulate a transfer policy for its employees to avoid confusion and uncertainty in postings and pay scale, and privileges for government employees on a par with Union Government employees. Neighbouring States such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh had enhanced the salaries of their employees to the level of Union Government employees, he said.