In peak summer season there seems to be severe heat wave conditions in India .Meteorological Department (IMD) in Mumbai as well as all over India. Almost 3000 employees in cadre B and C have gone on strike because their promotions are pending since 20 to 30 years. The main reason behind the pending promotions are that the self-declared IMD scientists have occupied the administrative posts where these cadres are supposed to be promoted. These scientists instead of doing research are involved in file and other administrative works & enjoying the administrative power.
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The strike was commenced on World Meteorological Day I.e. 23rd March 2022. The strike started with lunch hour demonstrations and now converted into relay hunger strike all over India.
Due to this strike several questions are being raised about functioning of one of the prime department providing monsoon forecast based on which our economy and farmers are dependant:
1. The IMD Group A are designated as Scientists which is a direct violation of Department of Personal Training (DoPT) order of Modified Flexible Complementing Scheme (MFCS) dated 10.09.2010. MFCS is applicable to scientists and technologists holding Group A scientific posts engaged in Scientific activities and services.
2. All over world weather forecaster are designated as Meteorologist (even if they do rigorous research). In India, weather forecasters are designated as Scientists even when negligible and even no research work done.
3. These so-called Weather scientists are given regular promotions every 3 years and they are upgraded to higher Scientist levels without any concrete work. They are escaping from the responsibilities of R & D.
4. Already weather forecast is the subject of fun for many people. But it seems that department not serious and not doing enough in research program to enhance the weather forecasting.
This strike is organised by Joint Forum of Eight Unions / Associations in the Meteorological Department. On March 23, we had a boycott on World Climate Day. From now on, we will intensify our agitation by calling for non-cooperation with the administration.
– one of the Union leader
Street Play by the Staff at Regional Meteorological Centre, Mumbai
