Apparently realising that the state administration would come to a grinding halt if the state government employees go on indefinite strike from February 7, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has come down a bit and gone out of the way to appease the agitating employees.
After seeing the Vijayawada rally which witnessed massive turnout of the agitating employees, Jagan has understood that if the government adopts a stubborn stand, it would have far-reaching consequences on the state economy.
That is why, the chief minister has decided to go out of the way to appease the striking employees.
Based on his suggestions, the five-member committee of ministers and employees held discussions with the members of the steering committee of the employees’ unions till late hours of Friday.
The Jagan government has reportedly agreed to increase the House Rent Allowance percentage as per the previous rates.
The government might also withdraw the move to do away with city compensatory allowance and revise the pay scales once in five years, besides extending adiditional quantum for pensioners of above 70 years.
The employees are demanding that they be given at least 27 per cent fitment, on par with the interim relief, but the government has decided against the same. It has, however, agreed to drop the proposal to adjust interim relief from the salaries of the employees.
Another round of negotiations is being held in the state secretariat in the evening. If the chief ministers concedes majority of their demands, the employees’ union leaders might withdraw their plan to go on indefinite strike from February 7.