Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Monday declared a dies non following a strike announced by employee unions on January 22, protesting the state's alleged denial of employee rights and benefits.

Additionally, any unauthorised leave taken during this period will also be treated as dies non, says order. 

The strike was called by the Joint Council, the service organisation affiliated with the ruling CPI, as well as opposition-affiliated groups.

A section of government employees and teachers are to participate in the strike to demand the withdrawal of the contributory pension scheme and the reinstatement of the old pension scheme.

Other demands included starting the 12th pay revision process and urging the government to assume direct responsibility for the Medical Insurance Scheme for State Employees and Pensioners (Medisep).