Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is likely to convene a meeting with various organisations of government employees soon to t...
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao is likely to convene a meeting with various organisations of government employees soon to take a final decision on the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) recommendations. According to sources, Rao may call the meeting any time next week. The government is likely to start negotiations, offering 29 per cent fitment as has reportedly been recommended by the Tenth PRC.
But the employees are not in a mood to accept this proposals and are demanding that the fitment should be 69.01 per cent. But, sources indicate that they may finally agree to 42 per cent. Leaders of unions had called on the CM a few days ago and apprised him of apprehensions among the employees over the delay. Rao then directed Finance Minister and senior officials to work out modalities so that he could take a decision soon after his return from New Delhi.
The employees are confident of securing 42 per cent fitment. Sources said there is also sentiment factor as far as 42 per cent fitment is concerned. During the statehood movement, the employees embarked on Sakala Janula Samme for 42-days. Thus the number ‘42’ occupies a special place in Telangana employees’ hearts.
Government sources also indicate that finally both sides may agree on this figure. The previous experience also motivated the Telangana government to have shortlisted 42 per cent mark for the tenth PRC. The last PRC recommended 27 per cent fitment and 22 per cent interim relief (IR) while the government after protracted negotiations offered 39 per cent fitment.
Now the Tenth PRC reportedly recommended 29 per cent while employees have already been getting an IR of 27 per cent from January 1, 2014. Given this arithmetic, the government is learnt to be in favor of giving 42 per cent fitment. A few employee leaders, however, say that ‘42’ number fulfils Chandrashekar Rao’s numerology sentiment since 4+2=6, which is the lucky number of Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, TNGO president G Deviprasad said that no decision has been taken by the government on the extent of fitment to be offered to employees. “We are expecting much higher fitment since KCR on many occasions reiterated that his government is an employee-friendly one. Moreover employee organizations were instrumental in statehood movement and this is the first PRC to be announced after the formation of Telangana State,” he said.
Employee organizations have sought an appointment with Chief Minister on December 8 to negotiate on the pay revision issue. Clarity on three issues-extent of fitment, date of its implementation and minimum pay could be expected after this meeting. It may be mentioned here that Tenth PRC headed by P K Agarwal submitted its report to Governor E S L Narasimhan on May 31.
After both the States came into existence after June 2, the Governor forwarded the report to the Chief Ministers for their consideration.
