Harish Rao demands immediate release of five pending DAs for Telangana govt staff
Hyderabad: BRS MLA Harish Rao on Wednesday demanded the immediate release of five pending dearness allowances (DAs) for Telangana government employees. He accused the Congress administration of betraying pre-election promises.
Speaking in Siddipet, Rao criticised Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for failing to honour commitments made to staff and teachers. He pointed out that while the Centre granted a 3% DA hike to its employees ahead of Dasara, Telangana staff were still waiting for overdue payments. He alleged that the state government was clearing bills for big contractors while neglecting its own workforce.
Rao questioned the Congress leadership’s indifference toward employees. He said the delay in releasing arrears, allowances, and retirement benefits showed the party’s misplaced priorities.
“This is not a government of compassion, but a government of exploitation,” Rao said. He highlighted that the previous BRS government had offered a record 73% hike under PRC. He also accused the Congress administration of diverting ₹5,500 crore from the contributory pension scheme (CPS). Additionally, he said police staff were still waiting for 14 DAs and five surrendered leave entitlements.
Harish Rao slams threats to employee unions
Rao condemned the alleged threats made to union leaders who raised questions about unfulfilled promises. He said such actions harmed the dignity of employees. The MLA demanded immediate reinstatement of the old pension scheme, return of CPS contributions, and activation of health cards for government staff.
He also urged the state to deliver on assurances made to contract workers, anganwadi staff, ration dealers, temple priests, and junior employees.
The BRS leader assured employees that his party would support them inside and outside the Assembly. “You were a key part of the Telangana movement. We won’t let this government trample your self-respect,” he added.
BJP accused of bias against southern farmers
Rao also targeted the BJP-led Centre over minimum support price (MSP) policy. He criticised the government for raising wheat MSP by ₹160 per quintal while increasing paddy MSP by only ₹69.
He alleged the Centre had one policy for North Indian farmers and another for those in the South. He demanded that paddy receive the same level of support as wheat.
Addressing BJP MPs from Telangana, Rao challenged them to pressure the Union government for a fair hike. “Will you stand with farmers or side with the Centre?” he asked.