Vijayawada: The protest by village and ward secretariat employees in Andhra Pradesh has triggered a fresh controversy over police action and remarks made during a TV5 debate programme.
Employees and union leaders allege that they were peacefully protesting for the resolution of their legitimate demands but faced police restrictions during the ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ programme. They have also objected to comments made by TV5 presenter Sambasiva Rao, saying the remarks were disrespectful to government employees.
Employees Object to TV5 Remarks
Employee union leaders and civil society representatives have reportedly expressed strong objections to remarks in which secretariat employees were allegedly described using terms such as “anti-social elements” and criminals.
The employees argue that many village and ward secretariat staff have higher educational qualifications and are working as part of the government administration. They say portraying government employees as criminals is inappropriate and have demanded an unconditional apology from the television channel.
Controversy Over Police Action in Vijayawada
The employees also criticised the police response to their ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ programme at Dharna Chowk.
According to employee representatives, the government should have invited the protesting employees for discussions instead of preventing them from reaching the protest venue. They have alleged that police used force, including lathi-charge, to disperse protesters.
Employee leaders have particularly objected to the alleged detention and shifting of women employees in buses, describing the reported treatment as unacceptable.
Concerns Over Workload and Surveys
Employee associations have also raised concerns over the functioning of the village and ward secretariat system, which was introduced during the previous YSRCP government.
They allege that employees are facing additional workloads and repeated assignments in the name of various government surveys. The associations claim that employees who provided services to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic should be recognised for their work rather than being subjected to derogatory remarks.
Employees Warn of Intensified Protest
The employee unions have warned that they could intensify their agitation if the government fails to address their demands.
The controversy has now expanded beyond the employees’ service-related issues, with questions also being raised over the alleged police action and comments made during television debates.
Employee representatives are demanding that the government engage with them and address their concerns through discussions. They have also sought clarity over remarks made against government employees in the media.
