Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday, May 5, addressed the ongoing demands of state government employees, emphasizing that the state is not in a financial position to meet their requests. The Chief Minister’s comments came in the wake of a protest planned by the Telangana State Employees, Gazetted Officers, Teachers, Workers, and Pensioners Joint Action Committee (TGEJAC), which is pushing for the clearance of pending bills totaling Rs 10,000 crore and an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA).
Speaking at a program organized by a media outlet, CM Revanth Reddy made it clear that the state’s monthly revenues are capped at Rs 18,500 crore, and that there is no additional money to meet the demands. “Even if you cut me, the revenue will not exceed Rs 18,500 crore,” he said. “I am asking the leaders of the employees’ unions—will you cut me?”
The Chief Minister further questioned the protest leaders, suggesting that if the government were to mobilize more revenue, it could only do so by increasing the prices of essential goods or reducing welfare schemes like pensions, free electricity, and the Shadi Mubarak program. “Do you want me to stop paying pensions, free electricity, or Shadi Mubarak? Tell people that we are stopping these schemes to increase your bonuses and salaries,” he said.
Reddy also reminded employees that under the previous administration, salaries were not guaranteed to be paid on the first of every month, but after his government took charge, they ensured salaries were consistently disbursed on time. “Do you want to protest for getting salaries on the first of every month? Do you want to fight against the people? Will they keep quiet?” he asked.
The Chief Minister added that his government was committed to controlling wasteful expenditure, highlighting his own personal commitment to austerity. “As Chief Minister, I can travel in a special aircraft, but even in regular flights, I travel in economy class, not first class,” he said.
Reddy also appealed to the 9 lakh government employees to recognize that they are part of the larger government system and have a duty to serve the people. He further emphasized that the state is facing a fiscal crisis, unable to take on additional borrowings, and that self-regulation is crucial in this challenging period.
Addressing the union leaders, Reddy urged them not to allow political parties to manipulate the employees’ movement for destabilization. “Do not mortgage the self-respect of the state on the streets,” he said. “If employees hold dharnas with new demands, it could cause the existing system to collapse. Telangana society will not tolerate it if employees forget their responsibility.”
The CM also criticized the previous government, which he blamed for causing significant economic damage to the state. He pointed out that every month, Rs 7,000 crore was being used to service the loans taken by the previous administration. “The previous government left pending Rs 8,500 crore in retirement benefits for employees,” he alleged, adding that the former leadership is now enjoying the comforts of a farmhouse while the state continues to deal with its financial burdens.
