In a collective effort to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, Mizoram government employees would contribute their one-day wages to the state mechanism, an official said on Friday.

Federation of Mizoram Government Employees and Workers (FMGEW) president Vanlaltlana said that the meeting of various employee associations on Thursday had decided to donate a one-day salary to fight against the pandemic.

FMGEW is the umbrella body of over 100 employee associations representing all government employees in the state.

Vanlaltlana, who is also a chief engineer in the state power and electric department, said that all employees, who receive regular payments under the state government, would contribute their one-day pay of May salary.

He said that contractual and muster roll employees will be exempted.

According to the official, all regular employees had foregone part of their salaries for two months in last year to fight the Covid-19 spread.

The state government repaid them later, he said.

Meanwhile, chief minister Zoramthanga has expressed gratitude to the FMGEW for its collective decision to voluntarily contribute one-day salaries to assist the government in the fight against Covid-19.

“Gratitude to the Federation of Mizoram Government Employees & Workers who, without any compulsion have collectively decided to contribute their One Day Pay in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. I salute their exemplary decision and show of love for the state,” Zoramthanga tweeted.

Meanwhile, the state spokesperson for Covid-19 Dr. Pachuau Lalmalsawma said, about  Rs 56.10 crore was spent in the fight against Covid-19 during last year (first wave).