KARNATAKA: Government workers in Karnataka have made the decision to go on indefinite strike starting today, March 1. The 7th Pay Commission report, at least 40% of fitment facilities, and a return to the Old Pension Plan are among the demands made by the state government employees that are the subject of this walkout.

Karnataka State govt Employees’ Association President CS Shadakshari met Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma and other top government officials from Finance Department and Chief Minister's Office but did not yield any positive results.  "We have told the govt authoriteis that we will only return if the government issues the order," he said. They requested more time to get and execute the pay commission's recommendations, but we have all agreed that we would not call off the strike. Whether the strike lasts for 15 days or a month, it will happen.

On February 28, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai informed the workforce that the administration was prepared to request and execute the interim report of the 7th Pay Commission.

The CM expressed optimism that the matter will be resolved by today when speaking with reporters and added that he, too, would have conversations with the pay commission and senior authorities.

Sought whether the government will invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act, he said, such a situation has not arisen. "I don't want to comment on that now."

Here is  what will be affected due to the strike: Shadakshari said that 10 lakh government workers are united and that this is the state's first major labour protest in 22 years.

He had also stated that government workers will participate in the protest by skipping work at hospitals, colleges, and other government-run facilities.

Major services, including transportation and critical care at hospitals and crematoriums, are likely to be impacted by the strike today. Aside from emergency and vital services, Shadakshari has also stated that all services, including hospitals, will be impacted.

In addition, all services provided by "Mahanagara Palike" and "Pura Sabha," such as those provided by pourakarmika (civil servants) and other energy supply businesses, will continue to be impacted. Affected services include those provided by the KSRTC, BBMP, and BDA offices, among others.

But, a senior member of the education department said that all of the schools have a standing order to stay open. "We have instructed that the schools remain open. The teachers will be marked absent if they do not show up, the official said. The preliminary exams for the 10th grade are currently taking place, and teachers have been instructed to follow the schedule.

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