Retired employees in Khammam launch relay hunger strike for pension dues
Retired employees in Khammam have launched a relay hunger strike demanding the release of pension arrears pending for two years. They also sought payment of DR arrears, implementation of PRC, and better medical facilities, warning of stronger protests if demands are ignored
Khammam: Retired employees in the district have taken to the streets demanding the immediate release of pension arrears pending for the past two years.
Demanding that the State government pay the arrears of pensioners who retired after March 2024, a relay hunger strike under the aegis of the State Government Pensioners Association district branch was launched here on Monday.
The association’s state president, Rajender Babu, launched the protest at Dharna Chowk at the Collectorate. The relay hunger strike would conclude on February 25. They also demanded sanction of DR arrears, payment of dues in a lump sum, and implementation of PRC from July 1, 2023.
Retired employees wanted the government to issue health cards for cashless medical services and improve facilities at the wellness centre. Speaking to the media, the association leaders alleged that the government had cheated them after making tall promises during the previous Assembly elections.
The pensioners warned that if Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy failed to address the issue immediately, they would launch a fast unto death. The government failed to act even as six pensioners have died due to non-receipt of their arrears and financial difficulties, they said.
