High tension at Vijayawada Dharna Chowk

Vijayawada: Tensionprevailed at Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada on Sunday as thousands of employees of Swarna Gram and Swarna Ward Sachivalayams from different parts of the State converged on the city as part of the ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ programme, demanding resolution of their long-pending service issues.

The employees attempted to reach Dharna Chowk and stage a massive protest despite police denying permission for the programme. As groups of employees arrived in the city in batches, police personnel intercepted them at several places, including bus stations, railway stations, BRTS Road and near Dharna Chowk. The situation turned tense when employees tried to move towards the protest venue and police prevented them from proceeding.

Several employees were taken into preventive custody and shifted to different locations, according to the protesters. During the protest, pushing and scuffles were reported between the police and employees as the latter tried to reach Dharna Chowk. The protesters alleged that the police action was aimed at preventing them from exercising their right to raise their demands.

The employees had sought two notional increments, a permanent promotional structure, clearance of pending wages and other service benefits. They also demanded that the government address issues concerning promotions and other long-pending grievances.

The employees’ associations had announced ‘Chalo Vijayawada’ programme in advance, but alleged that the government neither invited them for talks nor initiated steps to resolve their demands. They said Sachivalayam staff had been entrusted with several government responsibilities, including SIR-related work, pension distribution and surveys, but their service issues were yet to be fully addressed.

Police officials, however, said permission had been denied in view of the prevailing law-and-order situation, heavy rains, flood-related challenges, Ganesh immersion programmes, traffic management and other duties. They had invoked restrictions under BNSS Section 163 and Police Act Section 30 and warned of legal action against those violating the orders.

Minister dola assures action on employees’ demands

Responding to the agitation, Minister for Social Welfare Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy said the coalition government was committed to the welfare of Sachivalayam employees. He said the file relating to two notional increments had already been sent to the Finance Department and assured that the government would pursue the matter.

The Minister said the promotion process had been expedited and around 14,000 employees had already been given promotions, while the remaining eligible employees would be considered within the next month. He also said an automatic leave-sanction system had been introduced and that the government was planning to constitute a new Pay Revision Commission.He appealed to the employees to cooperate with the government and alleged that some people were provoking them for political gains.

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The Hans India