Chennai, July 03: Work in government offices in Tamil Nadu remained crippled on the second day of the indefinite strike by state government staff today even as the government planned to recruit temporary staff to fill vacancies caused by suspension of those who had struck work. Official sources said there was a 'slight' improvement in the attendance but organisations spearheading the stir to press for restoration of curtailed benefits disputed this and claimed total success.
Agitating organisations said 95 per cent of the employees were on strike. According to official sources, the secretariat, which reported a 15 per cent attendance yesterday, registered 25 per cent attendance today.
Though government had not suspended any employee, official sources said the ultimatum to the employees would end only tonight and if the employees did not report for duty by then, provisions of ESMA would be invoked against them leading to their suspensions.
Employment exchanges in the state had send letters to candidates on their registers to meet the officials along with their certificates and receive posting orders from tomorrow.
Temporary employees are likely to be paid a consolidated salary of Rs.5,000 with a six day week, the sources added.
Meanwhile, a report from Thanjavur said a headmistress of a primary school in the district, who had participated in the strike, died following a heart attack.

Bureau Report