HT Correspondent

The state government has geared itself for the two-day strike called on February 20 and 21 with authorities claiming that essential services including transport, water supply and health would not be disrupted on these two days.

The state government has geared itself for the two-day strike called on February 20 and 21 with authorities claiming that essential services including transport, water supply and health would not be disrupted on these two days.

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Chief Secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia, who called for a review at the state secretariat on Monday has asked BEST to make alternate arrangements for buses to ferry students and citizens and asked them to ensure that power supply in the city doesn’t go haywire.

It remains to be seen whether BEST can perform even as its union controlled by trade union leader Sharad Rao is backing the bandh. With railway union as well as taxi union not backing the strike, Mumbaiites may be able to get to work without major disruptions. But, autos and BEST bus services are likely to be affected.

The BEST buses which are plying will have a police constable stationed in every bus to provide security. The state government has also issued a dictat against the strike informing employees across board that disciplinary action could be taken if they are not present at work. All departments, district and civic administration have been told to cancel leaves of employees on these two days.