Hyderabad: The Telangana Movement Recognition Committee acknowledged the pivotal role of trade unions in the statehood movement during consultations with labour organisations and movement activists at the Amaraveerula Memorial in Hyderabad.
The consultations formed part of the committee’s special review process, which began on July 6. Meanwhile, representatives of various trade unions and workers from the unorganised sector submitted their representations before the panel.
The meeting was attended by committee chairman K. Keshava Rao, MLC M. Kodandaram, MLC and Government Whip Addanki Dayakar, executive member Mothe Shobhan Reddy and executive member S. Ramulu Naik. The panel held detailed discussions with the participants.
Trade unions seek recognition and welfare measures
Committee members said trade unions had played a decisive role in the Telangana movement. Further, they recalled that employees of RTC, Singareni, Railways, BSNL and workers from the unorganised sector strengthened the movement through the Sakala Janula Samme, which brought government functioning to a standstill.
Representatives of the 1969 Telangana movement and labour organisations submitted several demands to the committee. They sought official recognition and appreciation certificates for movement activists. They also requested 250 square yards of residential land for eligible families.
The representatives further sought special health cards providing free corporate healthcare, monthly pensions for elderly activists and free public transport facilities. Additionally, they urged the government to recognise the sacrifices made during the Telangana movement.
Committee members said these welfare measures represented the rights of movement activists rather than government charity. They assured participants that the Information and Public Relations Department’s digital documentation process would help record the names of genuine activists.
Finally, chairman K. Keshava Rao said the committee would compile all representations and submit a comprehensive report to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy after the consultation process concludes on July 22.