SHILLONG, Nov 26: In the wake of incidents where banks and government offices were asked to close down during local holidays, the Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions & Associations (MJCTU&A) has adopted a special resolution to declare all local holidays as paid holidays in all PSUs and financial institutions in the state under Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act.
It may be recalled that the Khasi Students’ Union closed down banks and other offices that were found open during the celebration of Seng Kut Snem and Shad Nongkrem on Monday and Wednesday, respectively.
Speaking at the joint demonstrative meeting of the MJCTU&A and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Meghalaya unit, JL Das, general secretary of MJCTU&A, informed that the resolution will be sent to the Chief Secretary, MS Rao.
Earlier, president of the MJCTU&A, MN Bhattacharjee, said, “We want local holidays to be declared and to be covered under the Negotiable Instrument Act. We do not want any disturbance neither the social fabric to be hampered”.
The MJCTU&A and AITUC also extended support to the one-day countrywide general strike on November 26.
Speaking at the meeting, Bhattarcharjee said that the COVID-19 vaccine should be made free of cost.
The Opposition Congress and the BJP, an ally of the MDA Government, have been vociferous in condemning the state government’s move.
The State unit of the BJP had earlier said that the CBW will monopolise the liquor business in Meghalaya and few people will control the entire supply of liquor in the state.
When asked about the allegations that the CBW is meant to benefit only a few people, Shylla said that if that was the case the government would have kept the entire matter close to its chest but the government has gone for open tendering under which any party, based on their eligibility, can participate in the bidding process.