In the high-stakes political arena of Telangana, nearly 9.5 lakh state government employees, pensioners, and contract workers have emerged as a crucial vote bank, commanding the attention of major political players.
The ruling BRS party is rallying support by highlighting its commendable track record, boasting of a 73 percent increase in salaries and pensions over nine years.In contrast, opposition parties are seizing upon discontent among state employees, citing grievances over delayed salaries, unresolved DA arrears, and the contentious CPS system.
In the fervor of the statehood movement, the BRS, then known as TRS, and employee unions stood shoulder to shoulder.This camaraderie, however, has frayed in recent years.
Despite early promises of an ’employee-friendly government’, issues such as irregularities in salary and pension disbursements, sluggish promotions, and inadequate health benefits have sown discord.
The long-standing tussle over CPS and OPS further fuels the discontent.Over 2.2 lakh employees, under the CPS umbrella, have been clamoring for a return to the old pension system for half a decade.Meanwhile, 1.5 lakh government teachers yearn for overdue promotions and transfers.
The eagerly anticipated new PRC pay scales, set to take effect in July, faced a roadblock when the government failed to establish a commission to recalibrate them, stoking resentment among employees.
With Assembly polls on the horizon, the CM’s announcement of an interim 5 percent relief, just before the Election Commission’s notification, stirred further protests.
The election code restrained the government from augmenting the IR, escalating tensions.
In an eleventh-hour bid to regain favor, the BRS vowed to form a committee of senior officials to explore a return to OPS.However, this move was met with skepticism from unions, prompting questions about the government’s prior actions.
The Congress and BJP swiftly capitalized on the brewing discontent, offering solace to the disgruntled employees.
Their pledge to restore OPS mirrors similar actions taken in Congress-led states, reinforcing their promise.
The promise of timely salaries, a commitment to clear pending retirement benefits, and resolve long-standing medical reimbursement arrears have become central tenets of their appeal.
As the political battle intensifies, the state’s dedicated workforce stands at the crossroads, their support coveted by parties promising meaningful reforms and resolutions.In this tug-of-war for the state’s workforce, their votes hold the power to shape Telangana’s future.
