Harish Rao slams Congress govt over employee benefits, pending arrears, unkept promises
BRS MLA T Harish Rao criticized the Congress government in the Telangana Assembly for failing to implement Pay Revision Commission, release retirement benefits, restore Old Pension Scheme, and provide employee welfare, affecting serving and retired staff, including police personnel
Hyderabad: Senior BRS MLA T Harish Rao on Monday came down heavily on the Congress government, accusing it of betraying government employees by failing to honour key promises even after two years in power. He questioned the inordinate delay in release of retirement benefits, implementation of Pay Revision Commission (PRC) and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
During Zero Hour in the State Assembly, Harish Rao said the Congress had assured immediate implementation of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC), release of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and arrears, and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
“None of these promises have been fulfilled even after two years. Employees are being deceived,” he said, urging Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to immediately release arrears to serving and retired employees.
Emphasising on the key role of government employees in effective governance, the BRS legislator said governance and welfare services would collapse if employees were pushed into distress. He pointed out that Telangana was facing an unprecedented situation with six DAs pending, while the PRC remained unimplemented.
He recalled that during the BRS tenure, PRCs of 43 per cent and 39 per cent were implemented and the Employees Health Scheme (EHS) was rolled out through a government order.
“The Congress promised EHS in its manifesto but has not implemented it,” he said.
Raising concerns over retireed employees, Harish Rao said around 39 retired employees had died due to distress caused by non-payment of dues. He cited the case of a retired veterinary officer who has not received any benefits months after retirement, despite approaching the High Court.
He also accused the government of failing to act on OPS, alleging that contributions under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were being diverted, endangering the future of nearly two lakh employees.
Turning to the police department, Harish Rao said surrender leaves, TA, DA and station allowances were pending, affecting nearly one lakh personnel. He said the police health insurance scheme had been curtailed and demanded its restoration with access to corporate hospitals.
He also urged the Speaker to ensure written replies to issues raised during Zero Hour, failing which the exercise would be futile.
