The Telangana State government has announced that it will declare its decision regarding the pending dearness allowance (DA) payments to employees by Friday. This announcement comes after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy held a significant meeting with representatives of employees’ unions on Thursday, following a period of growing demands from the workforce.
Meeting to Address Employees’ Concerns
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, after a two-hour discussion with union leaders, revealed that a cabinet sub-committee will be formed to tackle the concerns raised by the Telangana Employees, Gazetted Officers, Teachers, Workers, and Pensioners Joint Action Committee (TGEJAC). This newly established sub-committee will focus on resolving issues faced by employees across various sectors.
Government’s Response to TGEJAC Demands
The TGEJAC had earlier announced plans to stage protests from October 28 to January 30 in support of their 51 demands, including long-pending issues. However, in response to this planned action, the government has stepped in to engage in talks with union representatives, seeking to resolve the situation.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has been appointed as the chairman of the sub-committee, with IT Minister D Sridhar Babu and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar as committee members. Their collective aim will be to hold department-wise meetings after Deepavali, focusing on finding solutions to the various issues raised by employee unions.
Government’s Commitment to Address Employee Issues
During the meeting, Chief Minister Reddy assured employees that the government is committed to resolving their concerns. He reiterated that the State administration is ready to tackle all employee-related matters in a phased manner, depending on the financial situation of the state.
On the critical issue of the pending dearness allowance payments, the Chief Minister assured union representatives that a decision will be made by Friday evening. These payments, which have been pending for several months, are a key concern for employees, especially amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures.
Cabinet Sub-Committee to Address Issues
In addition to the financial concerns, the cabinet sub-committee that was previously established to review GO Ms 317 recently submitted its report to the government. The Chief Minister confirmed that this issue will be discussed further during the upcoming cabinet meeting on Saturday.
The government has expressed its willingness to prioritize non-financial issues, which can be addressed through immediate discussions, while financial matters will be addressed over time. By focusing on phased resolutions, the government aims to mitigate the impact of financial constraints while still addressing employee demands.
Outcome of the Meeting: Protests Postponed
Following the discussions, TGEJAC representatives announced that, given the government’s assurances, the previously planned protests have been postponed indefinitely. The action plan, which included strikes and protests in support of the unions’ demands, will now be rescheduled depending on further announcements from the government.
TGEJAC General Secretary E Sreenivasa Rao stated that they would closely monitor the government’s announcements and progress on resolving the issues. Should the government fail to deliver on its promises, future action may be taken, but for now, the unions are adopting a wait-and-see approach.
Government’s Appeal for Patience
The Chief Minister has urged employees to remain patient as the government works through its financial obligations and constraints. He emphasized that while financial issues may take time to resolve, other concerns can be addressed swiftly through direct negotiations.
Conclusion
The State government is making strides toward resolving the long-standing issues raised by employees, particularly with regard to pending DA payments and other employment-related grievances. The formation of a cabinet sub-committee dedicated to addressing these concerns demonstrates a proactive approach by the government.
With a decision on DA expected by Friday, employees across the state are keenly watching for the next steps. The postponement of planned protests also signals a willingness on the part of both the government and employees’ unions to work collaboratively towards resolving these issues. If the State government can successfully address the financial and non-financial concerns of its employees, it could pave the way for a more harmonious relationship moving forward.