YSRCP Accuses AP Govt of Betraying Employees Over Pay Revision
YSRCP accuses the Andhra Pradesh government of betraying employees over the Pay Revision Commission and demands 30% interim relief immediately.
The YSRCP has launched a scathing attack on the current coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, accusing it of breaking election promises regarding the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) and financial relief for state workers.
N Chandrasekhar Reddy, the State President of the YSRCP Employees Wing, stated on Friday that the government is failing to deliver on its manifesto commitments. Despite promises of a superior PRC and immediate interim relief, the opposition claims the administration is dragging its feet, leaving employees, teachers, and pensioners in a state of uncertainty.
Delays in Commission Appointment
Reddy highlighted a significant timeline gap that has frustrated the workforce. He pointed out that since the government took office, the previous PRC Commissioner was forced to resign, and it has taken nearly two and a half years just to appoint a new commission.
"Granting the new commission another year to submit its report would push the process close to four years," Reddy warned, suggesting that the bureaucratic delay is effectively stalling much-needed financial upgrades for the state's employees.
The 30% Interim Relief Demand
The YSRCP has laid out specific demands to rectify what they call a "betrayal" of the working class. The party is calling for:
- Immediate 30% Interim Relief (IR): To be granted from October for all employees, teachers, and pensioners.
- Expedited PRC Report: The party suggests the report could be finalized within three to four months if the government engages in meaningful consultations with employee associations.
- Clarity on Arrears: A demand for the government to clarify benefits due from 2023 and to ensure the implementation date is not shifted to deprive workers of their rightful arrears.
Reddy criticized the government's strategy of announcing small Dearness Allowance (DA) releases, arguing that these are mere distractions from the massive scale of pending dues, which are estimated to be around Rs 40,000 crore.
Government's Previous Stance
The controversy follows recent announcements by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. On September 5, the Chief Minister had addressed long-standing employee demands by announcing the appointment of the 12th Pay Revision Commission and the release of two pending DA installments. He also mentioned the implementation of an additional pension quantum starting in January 2027.
While the Chief Minister assured employee associations that they are an "integral part of the government," the YSRCP maintains that without a clear roadmap and the immediate release of the 30% interim relief, these promises remain unfulfilled.