Hyderabad: The Telangana PRC committee was working to submit its report to the state government by the end of this month (September). The panel was collecting financial data needed to finalise its recommendations.
The committee had already gathered employee unions’ views on the fitment percentage. It was now examining the state’s financial position, according to available information. The panel planned to submit its report to the Chief Secretary soon after receiving the financial details.
The government had asked the committee a week ago to submit its report as early as possible. Following the request, the panel accelerated its work to complete the exercise.
The previous BRS government constituted the PRC Commission before the 2023 Assembly elections. It appointed retired IAS officer Shivashankar as chairman and retired IAS officer Ramaiah as a member. GO 159 directed the commission to submit its report within six months.
However, the state’s financial position emerged as a hurdle after the Congress government came to power. The government appealed to employee unions to wait for some time before the PRC was implemented. The unions remained silent following the appeal.
Pressure from employees has now increased, while graduate elections are also approaching. Against this backdrop, there is speculation that the government is inclined to implement the PRC. It recently directed the committee to submit its report soon.
Telangana PRC fitment may reflect state finances
The Telangana PRC committee consequently stepped up its work and was expected to submit the report by month-end. The committee’s tenure was also due to end at the close of this month.
Employees were hoping that the Congress government would announce a substantial fitment. However, Finance Department sources believed the state’s financial position could limit the increase.
The state was in a position where it had to borrow heavily again to pay interest on debts raised during the BRS government. The financial strain had also affected benefits payable to retired employees. As a result, those benefits could not be paid on time.
Against this financial backdrop, there was discussion that the fitment might remain modest. The government has been paying employees 5% interim relief since October 2023. Available information indicated that another two or three percentage points could be added while fixing the fitment.
After receiving the PRC report, the government could constitute a committee of ministers and officials to study its recommendations. Meanwhile, it was also considering steps to address employee dissatisfaction before the report arrived.
The government was planning to clear two pending DAs, according to available information. Six DAs were pending so far. Of these, one DA could be announced for Dasara and paid along with the October salary.
The government was considering releasing another DA after two or three months. The remaining four DAs could be merged into the PRC announcement, according to the information available.