Amaravati, Oct 1 : Village and Ward Secretariat Employees’ Association leader Madhubabu has expressed strong concern over the Andhra Pradesh government’s handling of employees’ demands. He said it was unfair to suspend employees and file cases against them for participating in a peaceful protest seeking resolution of their legitimate demands.
Madhubabu demanded the immediate withdrawal of suspensions and the cases registered against the employees. He also called on the government to take a decision on the issue by October 2.
He warned that if the government fails to resolve the matter by the deadline, he will begin an indefinite hunger strike in Srikakulam from October 3. Madhubabu said he would continue the fight until justice is delivered to employees who faced difficulties during the protest.
Madhubabu Demands Action on Employee Cases
Madhubabu became emotional while speaking about the treatment of employees during the agitation. He particularly raised concerns over the difficulties allegedly faced by women employees during the protest.
He said the employees were fighting for their rights through peaceful means and urged the government to withdraw all disciplinary action and cases against them. He also made it clear that the agitation would continue until the employees’ problems are addressed.
A video of Madhubabu becoming emotional while speaking about the issue has also been circulating on social media.
Details of Employees Who Attended Chalo Vijayawada Sought
Meanwhile, the government has reportedly initiated further action following the ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ programme organised by Village and Ward Secretariat employees on September 27.
The Directorate of Village and Ward Secretariat Department has reportedly instructed district authorities to send details of employees who participated in the protest held in Vijayawada.
The instructions reportedly referred to employees participating in a protest without permission despite being government employees. Based on directions from district collectors, district-level Village and Ward Secretariat officials collected employee details from MPDOs and municipal commissioners.
The information was reportedly being compiled on a mandal-wise and town-wise basis.
Further Action Against Employees Draws Attention
The collection of details of employees who participated in the September 27 protest has attracted further attention, particularly as cases and suspensions have already been reported in connection with the agitation.
Madhubabu has urged the Andhra Pradesh government to immediately reconsider the action taken against the employees and withdraw the cases and suspensions.
He said he was prepared to launch an indefinite hunger strike from October 3 in Srikakulam if the government does not resolve the issue by October 2.
The developments have put the focus once again on the ongoing dispute between the government and Village and Ward Secretariat employees over their demands and the action taken against those who participated in the protests.
