Jaya invokes ESMA as strike paralyses govt offices in TN

Work in government offices in Tamil Nadu came to a standstill today with the indefinite strike, called by nearly 12 lakh government employees and teachers to demand restoration of curtailed benefits, evoking a near total response, reports said.

The busy Fort St. George, housing the state Secretariat, wore a deserted look with only 12 per cent staff reporting for duty. Most other government offices were also deserted. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government invoked Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) against employees who abstained from duty and suspended them from service.

Police said over 350 striking workers were arrested for obstructing workers from attending offices.

Adequate security arrangements had been made to prevent untoward incidents.