If the 51% fitment is approved, needs Rs 12,750 cr 

■   Telangana has nearly 15 lakh employees, teachers, and pensioners

■   Even a 1% fitment would cost the government around Rs 250–300 crore every month

■   Even at 30% fitment, the government would have to bear an additional Rs 7,500 crore annually

metro india news  I hyderabad

The very mention of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) seems to jolt the Telangana government, which is hesitant to move forward with its implementation due to the heavy financial strain it could incur. Despite the PRC Committee completing its report long ago, the state has yet to act—leaving lakhs of employees, teachers, and pensioners restless.

The term of Telangana’s first PRC ended on June 30, 2023, and the new one was supposed to be effective from July 1, 2023. However, the government has remained silent even after more than two years. Sources reveal that top officials have told union leaders bluntly that there is simply “no room in the budget.” The state’s revenue, already stretched thin by welfare schemes and low GST collections, is barely enough to meet salaries and routine expenses.

The PRC Committee, headed by retired IAS officer N. Shiva Shankar with B. Ramayya as a member, was formed to submit recommendations within six months. Its tenure was extended twice due to the Assembly and Parliament elections, the report is ready and waiting. The committee has already held multiple rounds of discussions with employee, teacher, and pensioner unions—most of whom demanded a 51% fitment hike. The committee has reportedly finalized its recommendations and is only awaiting a green signal from the government to formally submit the report.

Once the report is received, the state will have to begin the implementation process immediately. Telangana has nearly 15 lakh employees, teachers, and pensioners. Even a 1% fitment would cost the government around Rs 250–300 crore every month. If the demanded 51% fitment is approved, the annual burden could skyrocket to Rs 12,750 crore. Even at 30% fitment, the government would have to bear an additional Rs 7,500 crore annually—an enormous hit on its already tight finances.

Employee unions argue that the Congress government, which promised to implement the PRC before the elections, is now dragging its feet. They claim that employees have been patient and cooperative for two years, despite the government’s fiscal challenges, but now they feel betrayed.

The Telangana Employees and Teachers Unions are preparing for a showdown if the government continues to delay. The PRTU-TS has announced plans to begin its agitation after December 9, while other associations are also expected to join. Union leaders insist that the state must accept the PRC report and announce a fair fitment immediately.

With the PRC report ready and pressure mounting from every front, the government’s indecision is fast turning into a political flashpoint—and the countdown to a full-scale employee agitation has already begun.