Employees working under Andhra Pradesh’s Swarna Grama and Swarna Ward Sachivalayam system have intensified their protest, seeking resolution of several long-pending service and pay-related demands.
The employees have been staging a three-day protest in Visakhapatnam, with their demands including career progression, an Automatic Advancement Scheme (AAS), annual increments and representation in the Joint Staff Council.
A key concern raised by the employees is the loss of nine months’ salary following delays in the declaration of their probation. They are seeking payment of the pending nine-month arrears. Employees recruited in 2019 have also highlighted the absence of a defined promotion channel, with many continuing in the same Sachivalayam posts years after their appointment.
The protesting employees have also sought a minimum basic pay of Rs 30,000, citing rising living costs and the lack of adequate career progression.
Reportedly, the 2019 batch of Sachivalayam staff has been seeking promotion avenues, as employees appointed as Ward Secretaries continue in the same position years after joining. Additionally, the nine-month delay in probation declaration, which resulted in salary-related losses, and the group is seeking the payment of arrears along with a minimum basic pay of Rs 30,000.
The protestors have called for the government to examine their demands and take decisions on their service conditions, pay progression and career advancement.
