Government employees and teachers across Kerala will stage a one-day strike to demand the rollback of the contributory pension scheme, seeking the reinstatement of the old pension system. The protest also calls for the initiation of the 12th Pay Revision Commission and the inclusion of the Medical Insurance Scheme for State Employees and Pensioners (Medisep) into official policy.
In response, the Kerala government has issued a strict ‘dies-non’ order, signaling that employees who participate in the strike will face salary deductions for that day, with the consequences reflected in the February payroll. Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan has instructed department heads to deny leave requests on the strike day unless absolutely necessary, and any unauthorized absences will be classified as ‘dies-non.’ Employees choosing to work during the strike will be provided with police protection, while temporary staff who take unauthorized leave may face termination.
The strike has garnered significant support, not only from the ruling Communist Party of India (CPI)-affiliated Joint Council but also from opposition-backed organizations, marking a rare moment of cross-party collaboration on issues of employee welfare.
This strike highlights the growing tensions between Kerala’s state government and its workforce over pension policies and compensation, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions.
