YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has responded to the protest by village and ward secretariat employees, questioning the police action against the employees.
Jagan criticised the reported police lathi-charge, detentions and suspensions of employees who were protesting over their demands. He questioned how peacefully raising workplace issues with the government could be treated as a crime.
Jagan Questions Lathi-Charge on Women Employees
Jagan said the use of force against employees, including women staff, was unacceptable. He alleged that women employees were also subjected to lathi-charge and were dragged during the police action.
According to Jagan, the government should engage with employees and discuss their concerns instead of using police action to suppress their protests.
IR, PRC, DA and Employee Arrears Issues
Jagan also raised several issues concerning government employees, including Interim Relief (IR), Pay Revision Commission (PRC), Dearness Allowance (DA), surrender leave payments and pending employee dues.
He alleged that several benefits that employees are entitled to remain pending and criticised the government for not addressing their concerns through discussions.
Jagan further alleged that the government was taking steps that could weaken the village and ward secretariat system in Andhra Pradesh.
Jagan Highlights Village and Ward Secretariat System
Jagan said his government introduced the village and ward secretariat system along with the volunteer system to strengthen administration at the grassroots level.
He alleged that secretariat employees are now facing additional workloads and that their concerns are not being adequately addressed.
Demand for Judicial Inquiry
Jagan demanded an immediate judicial inquiry into the lathi-charge incident involving village and ward secretariat employees.
He also called for an apology to the employees and demanded that the suspensions imposed on protesting employees be withdrawn unconditionally.
Jagan Promises to Strengthen Secretariat System
Jagan said that if the YSRCP returns to power, his party would further strengthen the village and ward secretariat system.
He assured employees that steps would be taken to address their concerns and ensure that they receive their due benefits in the future.
