Aizawl: Over 15,000 workers employed under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) in Mizoram launched a three-day strike on Tuesday, pressing for regularisation of their jobs under the state government.
The protest, called by the All Mizoram CSS Employees Coordination Committee (AMCECC), highlights long-standing grievances over job security and employment norms.
AMCECC president Malsawmtluanga Hauhnar emphasized the demand for implementing the “Mizoram Regularisation of CSS Employees Scheme,” which was notified in June last year.
According to Hauhnar, the state government’s subsequent guidelines issued in October introduced hurdles that make it nearly impossible for workers to meet the criteria for regularisation.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, the workers initiated a “pen/tool down” strike, accusing the government of disregarding their concerns.
Hauhnar also criticised a recent order enforcing the CSS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy, calling it a move to intimidate workers while negotiations were ongoing.
“The government’s actions are both an insult and an attempt to undermine our cause,” Hauhnar said, adding that the AMCECC would consider further action if the strike fails to yield results by Thursday.
State Chief Secretary H. Lalengmawia defended the government’s stance, asserting that regularisation is only possible for workers recruited through proper procedures, including open competition and recommendations by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC).
He revealed that many CSS employees, particularly under programs like the National Health Mission (NHM) and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), were hired without adhering to these protocols.
“Regularising such appointments would violate Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution,” Lalengmawia explained.
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The chief secretary added that the government has been taking steps to address the issue but warned of stringent action, including potential terminations, if the strike persists.
The AMCECC estimates that more than 15,000 workers are affected by this ongoing employment uncertainty.
As the strike continues, all eyes remain on the state government’s next move.
