The State-wide strike observed by a section of government employees and teachers on Thursday evoked a partial response in the district. While the department offices and government schools operated, their functioning was hit with several employees abstaining themselves from work.
According to official sources, the average attendance in government offices across the district stood at 53.51 per cent. Only 30 per cent of employees turned up for work at the district collectorate. Attempts made by agitators to dissuade those who arrived for work resulted in minor scuffles that were later resolved by police personnel, who provided security to those who did not support the strike. There were also a large number of absentees at the Alappuzha Mini Civil Station, where the district offices of certain departments function.
Commuters of boat services bore the brunt of the agitation as a majority of employees of the State Water Transport Department participated in the strike. While nearly half of the regular services were operated early on the day, some had to be withdrawn with employees launching their strike. Later, only 30 per cent of services were operated with the available employees. Residents of Kuttanad were severely affected due to the lack of boat services.
In Chengannur, many employees who left a government office after signing the attendance register were ordered to rejoin duty. The incident occurred at the central hatchery where 42 of the 52 employees marked their attendance for Thursday. However, only the production manager remained in the office as supporters of the strike reached the premises. The others who had marked attendance were soon called back. An official said that the employees left office fearing for their safety.
The attendance of teachers at government schools in the district figured in the range 30 to 50 per cent, official sources said. Many employees were absent at the offices of the Assistant Executive Officers and the District Education Officers.
