AP porters thank Minister for wage hike; seek ESI, EPF reforms

Amaravathi: The Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Corporation Porters’ State Union has urged the government to withdraw court cases that have stalled the implementation of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme for 26 years. They called for a state cabinet decision and consultations with the central government and the ESI board to ensure swift implementation.

Meeting with Minister Nadendla Manohar

On Wednesday, union leaders met Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar and expressed gratitude for issuing GO RT No. 14 (28-02-2025), which increased wage rates by Rs 11.8 crore. The order also ensured payment of arrears from January 1, 2024.

Demands for social security and infrastructure

The union emphasized the following issues:

ESI implementation: The ESI board had recommended coverage for porters in 1998, but legal disputes halted the process. The union urged the government to withdraw the pending court case and ensure ESI benefits for 6,000 porter families.

EPF corrections: They demanded rectification of errors in Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) implementation, inclusion of new workers, and prompt claim settlements.

Infrastructure Needs: The union also called for construction of government-owned godowns to replace rented ones.

Minister assures support for porters

Minister Manohar assured the union that the government would review old records on ESI, consult relevant authorities, and take steps to resolve pending issues for the benefit of porters.

Union leaders, including State Honorary President K Umamaheswara Rao, President R Krishna, General Secretary S Udayabhaskara Rao, and others**, participated in the discussions.