Ranchi, May 30: The strike called by four trade unions in protest against the Centre’s disinvestment policy hampered work at the Central Mines Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI).

While there were no financial transactions or drawing work done through the day in the headquarters, drilling work carried out by CMPDI in different parts of the country was also affected.

However, an official said: “The strike did not hamper work as only 27 per cent of the workers participated in the strike. While 15 per cent of the workers from the headquarters went on strike, 73, 12 and 40 per cent workers from different regional institutes supported it.”

The strike was called by four trade unions, including the Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Sangh (RCMS), the CMPDI Karmchari Sangh, the Jharkhand Colliery Mazdoor Sangh and the National Coal Organisation Employees’ Association in protest against the Union government’s disinvestment policy.

Hind Mazdoor Sabha national executive member Sanat Mukherjee said: “Asansol, Nagpur and Bhubaneshwar-based regional institutes could not carry out drilling work because of the strike. None of the workers went to the Barkakana-based central drilling workshop and stores. The attendance at Lapanga and Orla-based regional institute of CMPDI was very poor.”

“The workers have showed they are united and they would oppose the Centre’s move to separate CMPDI from the Coal India Limited under its disinvestment policy. The workers will not allow the government to make its policy under the pressure of capitalists,” he added.

CMPDI Karmchari Sangh president Ravindranath said: “The strike has proved that workers are against the Centre which has decided to privatise public sector industries.”

State CITU general secretary Mihir Choudhary said: “Today’s strike has proved that the workers will not allow the Union government to disinvest CMPDI. The strike also showed their commitment to save the coal industry from destruction.”