KVPS demands withdrawal of inquiry orders on Christian churches’ construction permits

Ongole: The Kula Vyatirekha Porata Samithi (KVPS) has strongly opposed the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Commissioner’s directive to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into church construction permits across the state. KVPS State General Secretary Andra Malyadri condemned the move, calling it discriminatory and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the orders.

KVPS alleges targeted action against Christian churches

Speaking at the KVPS State Committee meeting held at LBG Bhavan, Ongole on Tuesday, under the leadership of State President O Nallappa, Andra Malyadri criticized the February 10, 2025, order instructing officials to verify whether Christian churches in 26 districts have the necessary collector permits and to take legal action against unauthorized constructions. KVPS asserted that such a statewide crackdown based on a single case in Palakollu town was unfair and targeted the Christian community.

KVPS to hold Mahadharna for graveyard workers’ rights

KVPS also announced a Mahadharna in Vijayawada on March 11 to highlight the plight of Katikaparulu, who traditionally dig, bury, and cremate bodies in cemeteries but lack formal recognition or government support.

Demands for cemetery workers’ welfare

KVPS raised several demands for the dignity and welfare of graveyard workers, including:

Official recognition as fourth-class employees.
Identity cards for all cemetery workers.
Monthly pension of Rs 8,000 for those of age.
Protective equipment such as spades, gloves, shoes, and uniforms.
Health and accident insurance coverage** due to hazardous working conditions.
Allocation of two acres of cultivable land to each worker.
Housing support with three cents of land in villages and two cents in towns.
Protection of cemeteries from encroachments and implementation of G.O. No. 1235, which mandates two acres of burial land for Dalit villages.
Infrastructure development, including boundary walls, boreholes, and sheds in cemeteries.

KVPS urges government action

KVPS leaders emphasized the urgent need for legislative intervention to secure the rights and livelihood of cemetery workers, ensuring their social and economic security.

State Vice Presidents V Srinivasa Rao, G Nataraju, Assistant Secretary B Raghuram, MD Anand Babu, C Chiranjeevi, O Rangamma, K Kranthi Babu, and G Kranthi Kumar were present at the meeting.
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