Article Today, Hyderabad:
Outsource employees in Telangana continue to face discrimination and exploitation. Despite their dedicated service, they receive poor wages and often work under humiliating conditions. Many are terminated through informal phone calls without any notice or enquiry. They are denied paid leave and are often treated as second-class employees.
Contractors Eat Into Public Funds
According to reports, 25 to 30 percent of the funds allocated for these employees are consumed by outsource agencies. While over two lakh outsource employees work across various government departments in Telangana, they struggle to survive with inadequate salaries. The system is marked by wage delays, lack of benefits, and growing frustration.
Grand Protest Planned at Indira Park
In response, thousands of outsource employees are set to stage a massive protest on Saturday, July 12, at Indira Park Dharna Chowk, Hyderabad. Their key demands include equal pay for equal work, timely salaries, and the creation of a dedicated government-run corporation instead of relying on private agencies. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of outsourcing employees has mobilised support across districts to make the protest a success.
Month-Long Mobilisation Effort
The JAC has been actively campaigning for over a month to bring attention to the plight of temporary employees. Despite raising the issue with several political and administrative leaders, the workers claim they received no meaningful response from the state government. The protest is now their final step to push for action.
A Call for Policy Reform
Outsource employees in Telangana are urging the government to follow the Andhra Pradesh model, where the agency system has been abolished and a corporation has been set up to disburse salaries on the first of every month. The JAC highlights that, unlike in AP, Telangana’s system is riddled with irregularities, with agencies failing to deposit PF and ESI contributions.
End the Agency System, Say Leaders
JAC leaders Puli Lakshmaiah and Muniganti Jagadeesh stated that the agency system is exploiting thousands of employees. They demanded its immediate abolition and urged the state to take direct responsibility for paying salaries and ensuring job security. They called on all employees to participate in Saturday’s protest and make it a turning point in their long-standing struggle.
Growing Political Support
The protest is expected to witness participation from key political figures, including BRS MLC K. Kavitha and senior leader T. Harish Rao. BC leaders R. Krishnaiah and Jajula also extended their support. With pressure mounting, the government may be forced to address a crisis that has long remained in the shadows.
