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Rajasthan strike creates a new record

Despite the Rajasthan government toughening its stand, dismissing three dozen and arresting more than 2,000 agitating employees on Sunday, the strike by the state government staff in the western state entered a record 48th day today.

Earlier, the longest period for which Rajasthan government employees had struck work was 46 days in 1989.

The current agitation was launched on December 15 last year, to press for a five-point charter of demands that includes bonus and enhanced dearness allowance.

The All-Rajasthan State Employees Joint Struggle Committee (Vyas) said in a press release in Jaipur that the employees, to register their protest against the government's "oppressive measures", would stage a demonstration against the chief minister and governor and hand over a memorandum to them later today. Thereafter, 2,000 employees will court arrest under the 'do-or-die policy'.

Meanwhile, the state government succeeded in conducting the first phase of the village and district bodies election on Saturday despite the strike, according to an official spokesman. Another round of polling is slated for today for which all arrangements have already been made, he added.

UNI

EARLIER REPORT:
Talks fail, Rajasthan government staff to intensify stir

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