Telangana Staff Plan Protests on August 27, Mahadharna on September 10

Hyderabad: Government employees and pensioners across Telangana are preparing to launch a series of agitations, scheduling statewide protests on August 27 and a Mahadharna in Hyderabad on September 10 if the State government fails to address their pending demands.

The decision was finalized during a meeting held in Hyderabad on Tuesday by the Telangana Employees, Gazetted Officers, Teachers, Workers and Pensioners Joint Action Committee (TGEJAC). The committee gathered to review employee grievances and finalize an agitation schedule amid growing dissatisfaction over unfulfilled government commitments.

A primary issue highlighted by the TGEJAC is the ongoing difficulty surrounding the Employees Health Scheme (EHS). Despite instructions from Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy regarding its effective rollout, employees reported that many continue to face significant hardships. The joint action committee noted that poor coordination between the Finance and Health departments has hindered employees, their families, and pensioners from securing necessary medical treatment.

During the meeting, members also alleged that the Chief Secretary had shown little interest in resolving EHS implementation hurdles. They noted that the Trust Board has yet to issue official guidelines covering cashless services, the use of health cards, and operational procedures.

The TGEJAC further raised concerns over the prolonged delay in the submission of the second Pay Revision Commission (PRC) report. Committee members noted that the Chief Minister had promised the report by June 2, but it was not delivered. With three years having passed since the previous PRC's term ended, the committee urged the government to implement the second PRC's recommendations without further delay.

The tenure of the second PRC is set to conclude on September 30, and the TGEJAC cautioned that any further extension would prompt additional action from employee unions. Additionally, the committee demanded the immediate clearance of six pending Dearness Allowance (DA) instalments in a single payment and urged the State government to continue releasing Rs 2,000 crore to settle pending employee bills, alongside pressing for the restoration of the Old Pension System.