Watch: Revanth Reddy remarks on sanitation workers trigger protests by unions

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s criticism of sanitation workers, police personnel and officials has triggered protests by municipal employees and sharp reactions from unions, which accused him of shifting blame despite holding key portfolios such as Municipal Administration and Home.

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s criticism of sanitation workers, police personnel and senior officials has triggered protests and sharp reactions from employee unions, who accused him of shifting blame despite holding key portfolios such as Municipal Administration and Home.

Municipal workers on Tuesday staged a protest after the Chief Minister publicly faulted sanitation staff for poor garbage collection and deteriorating sanitation conditions in Hyderabad. Swachh Auto workers gathered at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Secondary Collection and Transport Port in Jagadgirigutta, condemning his remarks and demanding an unconditional apology.

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The protest followed the Chief Minister’s admission that sanitation in the city was poor and that drainage water was flowing onto roads. While referring to complaints about the mosquito menace and rising pollution in the Musi River at the International Women’s Day celebrations, he said that despite around 5,000 auto-rickshaws being deployed for garbage collection, sanitary workers were not collecting waste efficiently and the Municipal Administration department had to ensure that the workers performed effectively.

Similarly, at the Police Officers’ Retreat programme here on Monday, the Chief Minister said there were several lapses within the police department. “Traffic is one of the biggest challenges in Hyderabad. Physical policing is essential, but unfortunately it has vanished,” Revanth Reddy said.

The police department should not expect to work in auto mode and officers should not aspire for auto promotions. They must shed that laidback attitude, he told the officers. At the same programme, the Chief Minister also reminded that the State government could not spend lavishly and that welfare commitments had resulted in an additional financial burden.

Amid these observations, he continued to pass the blame on employees and workers. He has also been finding fault with IAS officers for failing to conduct field inspections and ensure effective implementation of welfare and development programmes.

All these comments reflect the Chief Minister’s lack of command over the administration, especially in the departments he holds. Mere admission about shortage of funds would not suffice, and it was not wise to blame officers, employees and workers, A Padmachary, chairman of the Telangana Udyogula Sangham, observed.

As Chief Minister, he has to infuse confidence among employees. Focus should be laid on mobilising available resources to generate more revenue to meet the growing financial requirements, Padmachary added.