Hyderabad, January 07: The Committee after taking into consideration all the facts, the views of all the stakeholders and after examination and analysis of all the related issues pertaining to public employment, has come to the following conclusions:
1. Public employment constitutes a very small percentage of the working population and an even smaller percentage of the total population of the state;
2. That during the last two decades – 1990 to 2010 – socio-economic scenario has undergone a sea change, creating enormous employment opportunities in the rapidly expanding private sector, pushing public employment to the background, both in numbers as well as in importance;
3. That demand for “regional reservation” for Group A and B posts in administration carries serious national implications and was not found to be feasible;
4. It was noted with satisfaction that the Committee of three ministers, representing three different regions, appointed by the state government, to look into the appointment of Standing Counsel/Law officers from amongst the legal community of the state has made certain recommendations, taking into consideration regional, social justice and equity issues. We hope that the Government will consider these recommendations as these will go a long way in assuaging the feelings of discrimination articulated by the advocates from Telangana region in their representations and during their interactions with the Committee.
The Committee is of the view that, it would help if a certain amount of regional balance in other key appointments in the state, such as of Advocate General, President/Members of the Administrative Tribunal, is maintained. Likewise, it is equally important that the state government must continue to make efforts that a fair representation in senior positions in the Secretariat, including the Directorates, is ensured for all the three regions. This effort, indeed, has to be initiated from the level of state civil/police service officers. In a society where issues of regional discrimination are often highlighted, such an approach will not only be symbolic, but will be conducive in promoting harmonious working conditions in all the executive and other trade and professional bodies where Government nominees are to be appointed. In a nutshell, the need for providing regional representation in a balanced manner to the extent possible cannot be overemphasised, especially, in the present emotional context and climate.
We, therefore, suggest that there is no real need to have any additional administrative instrumentalities for protection of persons belonging to Telangana region in public employment. However, existing safeguards should be implemented with renewed vigour. The Committee noted the positive indications from employees from Telangana about their grievances relating to employment issues being seriously addressed by the Government in the last five years, which have provided them with a sense of satisfaction, notwithstanding the discontent the earlier delay had caused.
–Agencies