After AP was bifurcated, everyone knew that the new State was facing a severe financial crunch. This however did not prevent the government employees from going on a strike demanding an increase in wages.
Finally, they got 43% hike in fitment, a move that costs the AP ex-chequer Rs 10,000 crore annually. But this was not enough to gladden their hearts. They laid down a hundred thousand conditions as well for shifting to Amaravathi, most of which the government has agreed to.
Now, they have come up with some fresh demands as the deadline for shifting to Amaravathi draws near, all of which would probably be agreed to.
For starters, the government has agreed to provide 30 per cent house rent allowance (HRA) to the staff on par with those in Hyderabad city. The employees have asked for a special `capital dislocation allowance' as most of the employees have already paid tuition fee and donation and new admission will further burden them.
They have also said the government should exempt them from paying toll tax on Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway and providing a free bus pass to employees, who do not own vehicles, to travel between the two cities.
While HRA and capital dislocation allowance are debatable, what one fails to understand is why the employees are asking for exemption from poll-tax. Everyone using the highways should pay the toll-tax irrespective of the nature of his employment.
How many trips will they be making each month and how big a financial burden will it be for them? And what is this free bus pass scheme for those who do not have vehicles? What next? Free popcorn and Fanta on the journey too? Or should the government purchase cars for these people?
These guys are acting as if they are doing a favor to AP by shifting to Amaravathi when it is actually their duty. If the whole lot were to be sacked, there would be a million people to take their positions for just 10% of the benefits these parasites on the system, are currently enjoying.
