Date:25/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/11/25/stories/2004112507460400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Move fast on demands: JAC

By Our Staff Reporter

JAC members staging a dharna at the Ranga Reddy district Collectorate on Wednesday. Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

HYDERABAD, NOV. 24. Members of the Joint Action Committee of Employees, Teachers and Workers on Wednesday staged dharnas at the Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy Collectorates, here, to press their charter of demands submitted to the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

About 1,000 representatives of the JAC, including its office-bearers, took part in the protest programme which was launched by A. Krishna Reddy, secretary general of the committee and president of the TNGOs Association.

He accused the Government of adopting `negligent' attitude towards the demands, as more than two months had lapsed since the JAC represented to Dr. Reddy. He had assured the committee of taking action in due course. But no positive response was received so far. As a consequence, the employees were feeling frustrated. Hence, they decided to agitate to achieve their `legitimate' demands, Mr. Reddy said.

Appeal for talks

Mohan Reddy, co-chairman of the committee, also addressed protestors. The leaders appealed to the Chief Minister to hold discussions with the JAC for "breaking the deadlock in the best interests of the State." If no decision was taken before November 30 the JAC would to intensify the agitation.

The demands of the JAC include early release of 20 per cent interim relief, common service rules for teachers and payment of salaries through treasuries.