Date:15/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/15/stories/2008091558850400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

AITUC, teachers back Panchayat Raj staff stir

HYDERABAD: The AP Council of the All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and AP United Teachers’ Federation have extended support to the agitation launched by the Panchayat Raj employees and demanded steps to find solution to their problems.

T. Narasimhan, AITUC State secretary, in a statement criticised the government for adopting a ‘negligent’ attitude even after the employees’ agitation entered the ninth day. He alleged that some officials were blocking a solution.

I. Venkateswa Rao, president, and N. Narayana, general secretary, of the federation warned against efforts by the government to weaken the agitation. They criticised orders deploying officials of the Education and Revenue departments in place of the agitating staff.

Meanwhile, the AP State Teachers’ Union demanded immediate steps by the government to meet the demands of the PR staff. A. Lakshman, president, and K. Narasimha Reddy, general secretary, faulted the administration for not issuing orders on the agreed demands.