Tension prevails as VRAs attempt to lay siege to Ministers’ Quarters in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: High tension prevailed at the Ministers’ Quarters in Banjara Hills as Village Revenue Assistants (VRAs) staged a protest demanding immediate appointments.

The demonstrators, led by the VRA Joint Action Committee (JAC), attempted to lay siege to the Ministers’ Quarters, prompting a heavy police deployment in the area.

As hundreds of VRAs from across Telangana gathered, police blocked them from marching towards Minister’s Quarters, leading to heated altercations.

Protesters pushed barricades, clashed with police forces, and stormed towards the quarters, triggering chaos. Despite a lathicharge, the situation remained tense for nearly 45 minutes before police detained several demonstrators.

With the police obstructing them, the VRAs staged a sit-in protest on Road No 12 junction, which in turn caused a severe traffic jam. The VRAs raised slogans against the government including “Dongala Rajyam, Dopidi Rajyam”, “Revenue Minister Down Down” and “We want justice.”

The VRAs are demanding the immediate reinstatement of 3,797 members who remain jobless despite Congress government’s assurances. Protesters accused the Congress government of failing to honour its promises to reinstate VRAs, even 15 months after coming to power.

According to the VRA JAC, out of 20,555 VRAs, 16,758 have been adjusted into various departments based on educational qualifications during the BRS regime, while the remaining 3,797 are still waiting for job orders.

However, the Congress government promised their reinstatement into jobs, but to no avail. The JAC also alleged that 265 VRAs have died due to mental stress caused by prolonged unemployment.

Protesters insisted that descendants of VRAs above 61 years be given government jobs. They also complained that the State government is blocking their access to the Ministers to pour out their woes, instead of addressing their concerns.