Hyderabad, Dec.29 (RAHNUMA): Former minister and BRS MLA T. Harish Rao expressed strong criticism of the Congress government on Monday, accusing it of failing to fulfill significant commitments to government employees after two years in office.
The BRS MLA raised concerns about the excessive delays in the disbursement of retirement benefits, the implementation of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC), and the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
During the Zero Hour in the State Assembly, Harish Rao noted that the Congress had guaranteed prompt action on the PRC, the release of overdue Dearness Allowance (DA) and arrears, as well as the return of the Old Pension Scheme.
“None of these commitments have been met despite two years passing. Employees are being misled,” he stated, calling on Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka to promptly provide the outstanding payments to both current and retired employees.
Stressing the important role that government employees play in efficient governance, the BRS legislator warned that government operations and welfare services would deteriorate if employees were put under undue stress.
Harish Rao highlighted that Telangana is currently facing a critical situation with six DAs still pending and the PRC yet to be implemented.
He reminded the assembly that during the BRS administration, PRCs of 43 percent and 39 percent were enacted, and the Employees Health Scheme (EHS) was initiated through a government order. “The Congress pledged the EHS in its manifesto but has failed to put it into action,” Harish Rao remarked.
Addressing concerns for retired employees, Harish Rao mentioned that approximately 39 retirees have died due to the stress of unpaid dues. He cited the situation of a retired veterinary officer who has yet to receive any benefits months after retirement, despite taking the matter to the High Court.
Harish Rao further accused the government of neglecting the OPS, claiming that contributions under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) are being misappropriated, jeopardizing the future of nearly 200,000 employees.
Focusing on the police department, Harish Rao pointed out that surrender leaves, travel allowances, Dearness Allowances, and station allowances are overdue, impacting nearly 100,000 personnel.
The BRS MLA noted that the police health insurance scheme has been reduced and called for its restoration to include access to corporate hospitals. He also urged the Speaker to ensure that written responses are provided to the issues brought up during Zero Hour, as failing to do so would render the session ineffective.
