KOCHI: The hartal announced by UDF against the hike in the price of petroleum products and essential goods had little effect on government offices and Infopark in Kochi. The Civil Station at Kakkanad recorded more than 70 percent attendance.
According to officials at the Civil Station, unlike on other hartal days, on Monday a large number of employees turned up for duty. Out of the 85 offices, 60 remained open and functioned till evening. However, the number of those who came to avail services was less. Even the taluk office at Kanayannur and the village offices remained open till evening. “Initially, we feared the protestors will force us to close down the office. However, our fears didn’t materialise. Majority of the staffers reported for duty. But, the usual crowd of people who come to avail various services was not there,” an officer at Kannayannur Taluk office said.
The High Court, district, magistrate and munsiff courts also remained open. But, several cases had to be posted for other days.Similarly, it was a normal day for the employees of various companies in Infopark. The Infopark authorities said attendance was close to 90 percent. “The functioning of the companies was not affected due to the hartal. All the companies had arranged convoys to transport their employees. Similarly, security was beefed up inside the park. There are several food courts operating inside the Infopark and they functioned on the hartal day too. The hartal had no impact on the functioning of the Infopark,” an officer at the IT park said.