‘CM Conrad assured to direct depts to revise VDA twice a year’
Shillong, April 9: Following an assurance from Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the All Jaintia Muster Roll Workers and Labour Union has suspended its agitation over payment of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA).
According to the Union, the Chief Minister assured a delegation of the Union that the government would streamline and ensure all departments implement the order for revising VDA twice a year.
“The meeting with the Chief Minister was very constructive. He assured us that he will streamline all departments to comply with the order. He admitted that there was a lapse and communication gap, but now he is going to ensure that the heads of all departments comply with each and every order issued,” Union’s adviser Khroo L Pariat told reporters on Thursday.
The Union had been demanding for revision of VDA twice a year – on April 1 and October 1 – as mandated by the Minimum Wages Act.
The Chief Minister has assured that an order will be issued to revise the VDA within a few days.
“The Chief Minister has also agreed to examine the issue of retirement age, which has been a point of confusion. He has entrusted his officers to follow up with this demand and will hold a meeting by the end of April,” Pariat said.
The Union said if the government failed to implement the order by April, they will launch agitation in all district headquarters.
“We are going to wait for implementation of this order within this month of April. If the Chief Minister does not implement it, we will stage a massive agitation,” Pariat warned.
