Jakkampudi Raja Flags Workload, Pressure on Grama Sachivalayam Employees

YSR Congress Party Youth Wing state president and former MLA Jakkampudi Raja has accused the coalition government in Andhra Pradesh of deliberately weakening the Grama and Ward Sachivalayam system, which he said had earned recognition across the country. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Raja launched a sharp attack on the government over its handling of Sachivalayam employees and the functioning of the grassroots administrative system.

Raja alleged that Chandrababu Naidu had promised volunteers a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000 during the elections but scrapped the volunteer system after coming to power. He claimed that after the volunteers, the government was now targeting employees working in Grama and Ward Sachivalayams.

He alleged that the coalition government was attempting to undermine the system because it continued to be associated with the previous YSRCP administration. Drawing a parallel with Aarogyasri, which he said continued to evoke the memory of former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy despite subsequent changes, Raja claimed that the Sachivalayam system similarly reminded people of former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He also accused the government of acting vindictively towards Sachivalayam buildings and name boards associated with YSRCP leaders.

Raja alleged that GO No. 11 had substantially increased the workload of Grama and Ward Sachivalayam employees. He claimed that staff were being made to work on holidays and attend video conferences until late at night, creating severe pressure on employees.

He further alleged that some employees had suffered heart attacks and strokes due to excessive work pressure and criticised the police for their handling of women employees who staged peaceful protests over their concerns.

Raja accused the government of functioning through what he described as a “Red Book Constitution”, rather than following constitutional principles.

He recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the previous YS Jagan government had regularised around 1.15 lakh Sachivalayam employees and provided a basic salary of Rs 22,460 under the 2022 Pay Revision Commission. He claimed that the present government had so far regularised only around 4,000 to 5,000 employees.

Raja demanded two notional increments, a clear promotion pathway and a reduction in workload. He also sought exemption of Sachivalayam employees from BLO duties and pension distribution responsibilities.

Referring to the death of CI Ahmed Ali, Raja questioned the filing of cases against protesting employees. He also alleged that cases were being registered against social media critics while public funds were being used for government-friendly influencers.

Raja demanded a CBI probe into alleged DSC irregularities and claimed that public dissatisfaction with the government's functioning would be reflected in the upcoming local body elections.