Andhra Pradesh Shock: 7 Key Demands Behind Kadapa Municipal Workers’ Intense Hunger Strike

Proddatur/Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: Municipal workers intensified their agitation in Kadapa on Saturday, launching an indefinite hunger strike at the Kadapa Municipal Corporation office over long-pending demands, including salary revisions, implementation of the 12th Pay Revision Commission (PRC), jobs for deceased workers’ families, and basic work facilities. The protest was held as part of a statewide call to stage dharnas at all municipal offices.

Hunger strike replaces relay protests Andhra Pradesh

Responding to the call of the state leadership, workers shifted from relay protests to a hunger strike “unto death” to press for resolution of their grievances. A dharna was staged outside the Proddatur Municipal office, demanding that issues concerning both Kadapa and Poddutur municipal workers be addressed immediately.

Union leaders said the police did not permit the protest within the municipal premises as a council meeting was underway.

Petition submitted to officials

A petition outlining the demands of Poddutur municipal workers was submitted to Assistant Commissioner Manjunath Goud. The union questioned the legality and implementation of decisions taken during previous council meetings.

“We want to know whether the resolutions passed are legal or not. If they are legal, why are they not being implemented?” union leaders asked, alleging that despite repeated representations to the MLA, Collector, Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Commissioner, and councillors, their problems have remained unresolved for three years.Andhra Pradesh

Key demands raised

The protesting workers listed several long-pending issues:

Immediate implementation of the 12th PRC
Salary enhancement in view of rising prices
Employment to one family member of deceased workers
Withdrawal of alleged forced retirement notices issued to workers
Provision of retirement benefits and pensions
Supply of essential tools and equipment by the municipality

Union representatives alleged that workers are being forced to purchase tools with their own money due to non-supply by the authorities.Andhra Pradesh

Plight of Covid and APCAS workers

The union also highlighted the condition of Covid workers, stating that although a proposal was previously placed on the agenda to pay them ₹18,000 per month, the Commissioner reportedly cited lack of funds.

Covid workers have been serving for six years without significant wage revision, despite rising living costs. The union demanded that they be provided with uniforms, soaps, coconut oil, slippers, and other essentials.

Similarly, the union sought jobs for eligible family members of deceased APCAS workers, alleging that no response has been received to their repeated petitions.

Demand for additional recruitment

Pointing to increasing workload and shortage of staff, the union demanded recruitment of 50 additional workers based on the town’s area and population. They also urged authorities to fill vacancies caused by transfers.

Women’s organisations extend support

The protest received support from members of women’s organisations, including Aidwa district representatives Mumtaz Begum and Venkatasubbamma . Several union leaders Salmon, Satyanarayana, Chanti, Raghavendra, Guramma, Ramadevi, Neethamma, Shanti, Praveenu and Subbaiah,Narasimhulu, Prasanna, Sureshu, David and Vishwanath and workers participated in the dharna, reiterating that they would continue their struggle until concrete action is taken.

The municipal workers warned that they would intensify their agitation if their demands remain unaddressed.