Sachivalayam staff stage Chalo Vijayawada protest despite police curbs

Thousands of employees working in Swarna Grama and Ward Sachivalayams gathered at Dharna Chowk in Vijayawada on Sunday for a 'Chalo Vijayawada' protest, pressing the government to address a set of long-pending demands.

The staff, drawn from various departments, are seeking two notional increments, a permanent structure for promotions, clearance of wage dues and other service-related issues. According to the protesting employees, the agitation was announced in advance for September 27, but the government neither invited them for talks nor made room for a negotiated settlement.

Protestors said police had declared the demonstration prohibited and warned of action against those who defied the orders. Several employees were placed under house arrest, they alleged, while personnel were deployed at bus stops, railway stations, BRTS Road, Dharna Chowk and Lenin Centre to stop staff from assembling.

A protestor identified as Kumar said the police had made clear that the gathering was not permitted and that action would follow. Despite the restrictions, employees from different districts travelled to Vijayawada and took part, the leaders said.

Some protestors were taken into preventive custody and shifted to different locations, the employees said, adding that a few staff members suffered injuries during the protest.

The employees argued that the government relies on Sachivalayam staff for tasks such as completing SIR, distributing pensions every month and conducting various surveys, yet treats them unfairly. They criticised the use of police force to disrupt the agitation instead of resolving their demands.