Telangana Junior Panchayat Secretaries To Continue Strike Despite Govt’s Ultimatum

Junior Panchayat Secretaries in Telangana are determined to continue their strike for the regularisation of their services.

The JPSs, who have been on strike since April 28, said they would continue the strike until the government gave them a categorical assurance.

Source : ABP Desam

Telangana's Junior Panchayat Secretaries are persisting with their strike to secure the regularisation of their services, defying a warning from the state government that their employment will be terminated if they fail to report for duty by Tuesday, according to a report by IANS.

Sandeep Kumar Sultania, the Panchayat Raj secretary, issued a notice to the Junior Panchayat Secretaries (JPSs), accusing them of forming a union in violation of their agreement and embarking on a strike. According to the official, the agreement stipulates that JPSs should not affiliate with any service union, organization, or association. The employees have also declared that they will not lay claim to any right of regular appointment.

Quoted by IANS, Sandeep Sultania stated, "The regularisation of service for any contract employee cannot be applicable to all, but will be contingent upon an assessment and evaluation of their performance by a committee appointed by the government. Only those whose performance is deemed satisfactory can be regularised."

Sultania contended that the JPSs have engaged in an illegal strike and have consequently forfeited all rights to their positions. "As a final opportunity, you are directed to resume duty by 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Failure to do so will result in the termination of your services," he added.

Nevertheless, the JPSs, who initiated the strike on April 28, affirmed their intention to continue the protest until the government provides them with an unequivocal assurance.

The state currently employs approximately 9,500 Junior Panchayat Secretaries. They were recruited through the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC) on a three-year probationary basis, which was subsequently extended by one year.

Their demands stem from Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao's pledge in the state Assembly to regularise their services. "We seek job security. Our stance is not against the government. Our demands are legitimate," stated one JPS participating in the strike.

Another employee noted, "Even if the government regularises our services, it will not impose any financial burden on them. We currently receive a consolidated pay of Rs 29,000 and after deductions such as EPF, our take-home salary amounts to Rs 26,000."

The strike by the JPSs has adversely affected numerous village services, causing hardships for residents. In addition to issuing important certificates such as birth, death, marriage, and residence, they play a vital role in village sanitation, drinking water supply, and environmental initiatives.