Why Is Telangana CM Claiming There's No Money for DA Amid Employee Protests?

Hyderabad, May 5 (NationPress) As employees of the Telangana government gear up for a protest concerning dearness allowance and outstanding bills, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy declared on Monday that even if they attempt to pressure him, there simply isn't the financial capacity to fulfill their requests.

He emphasized that the state's revenue is capped at Rs 18,500 crore monthly.

“Even if you cut me, the revenue is not more than Rs 18,500 crore. I challenge the leaders of the employees’ unions: Will you really cut me?” he remarked.

This comment came in response to the protest plans articulated by the Telangana State Employees, Gazetted Officers, Teachers, Workers and Pensioners Joint Action Committee (TGEJAC), who are advocating for the clearance of pending bills amounting to Rs 10,000 crore.

The Chief Minister made these statements during an event organized by a media house.

He further prompted union leaders to consider whether the government should raise the prices of fuel and basic necessities to generate revenue to meet their demands. “Do you want me to halt pension payments, free electricity, or the Shadi Mubarak scheme? Should I inform the public that we must stop these initiatives to increase your bonuses and salaries?” he questioned.

Revanth Reddy reminded the employees that during the previous administration, they often did not receive their salaries on the first of each month, asserting that his government had ensured timely salary payments.

“Are you protesting for receiving your salaries on the first day of the month? Do you wish to fight against the public? Will they just stand by?” he inquired.

The Chief Minister asserted that the government is already taking measures to curb unnecessary expenses.

“Though I could travel anywhere in a special aircraft as Chief Minister, I opt for economy class even on regular flights,” he stated.

Revanth Reddy urged the 9 lakh employees to recognize their role within the government, emphasizing their responsibility to serve the public.

He pointed out that the state is in a predicament where it cannot afford to borrow funds and insisted that self-regulation is essential in these challenging times.

He appealed to employees’ unions not to compromise the dignity of the state through street protests.

He warned that unions should not be pawns in political schemes aimed at destabilizing the government. The current system could collapse if employees resort to protests with new demands, and he cautioned that Telangana society would not tolerate neglect of their responsibilities.

He criticized the previous administration of BRS, stating that the individual responsible for the economic decline is now living comfortably in a farmhouse.

He highlighted that each month, Rs 7,000 crore is allocated for repaying loans incurred by the previous government, and accused the BRS government of withholding Rs 8,500 crore in retirement benefits owed to employees.