Electricity contract workers demand regularization, plan protest on August 7
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Andhra Pradesh: Demanding regularization, PRC arrears, and parity in pay and benefits, rural electricity contract workers under the banner of United Electricity Contract Workers Union (CITU affiliate) resolved to intensify their agitation, with a “Chalo Vidyut Soudha” protest scheduled for August 7.
Workers demand regularization, insurance, and PRC arrears
Addressing a meeting of rural electricity contract workers at Proddatur Market Yard, CITU District President K Srinivasulu Reddy called on the Andhra Pradesh government to emulate Telangana by providing Rs 1 crore insurance coverage to electricity workers.
He said that all workers who have been serving for the past 20 to 25 years must be regularized immediately. He also demanded that the 2022 Pay Revision Commission (PRC) arrears be paid to contract workers just as they are paid to regular staff.
Equal pay, health benefits, and retirement support urged
CITU leaders stressed that newly appointed operators should receive the same salaries as senior operators, and field assistants should be considered skilled workers and paid accordingly. They also insisted on appointing night watch staff at every substation and demanded the issuance of free, unlimited health cards for workers suffering from illness or injury. Reddy further added that repeated appeals to the government for Rs. 10 lakh in retirement benefits for workers have gone unheeded.
-Chalo Vidyut Soudha protest on August 7
In view of the continued inaction by the authorities, the union announced that a mass protest under the banner of “Chalo Vidyut Soudha” will be organized in Hyderabad on August 7. “Every contract electricity worker should actively participate and make this program a success,” Reddy urged.
New rural sub-division committee elected
During the meeting, the following members were unanimously elected to the Proddatur rural sub-division committee of the union: Honorary President, Lenin Babu; Honorary Advisor, Polaiah; President, Lakshminarayana; Secretary, Naga Seshaiah; Treasurer, Balasubbayiah; Working President, Vijay Victor; Vice Presidents, Ramanjaneyulu Reddy, Shyam, Shravan, Dilip, Narasimha Reddy; Assistant Secretary, Niranjan Reddy; Committee Members, Srikanth, Ramana, Harinath Reddy, Srinivasulu and Sanjeeva Reddy.
