Contract and Outsourcing Drivers Seek Job Security: APJAC Chairman Bopparaju Venkateshwarlu

Vijayawada ( Journalist File ) : Bopparaju Venkateshwarlu, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Joint Action Committee (APJAC) Amaravati, has called on the state government to ensure job security for contract and outsourcing drivers. Addressing a state-level meeting at the Revenue Bhavan on Sunday, Mr. Venkateshwarlu stressed the need for an HR policy similar to that of MEPMA and SERP employees, which would offer these drivers better protection and benefits.

He emphasized that drivers who sustain injuries while on duty should receive paid medical leave and highlighted the need to implement the Supreme Court’s directive of “equal pay for equal work.” He urged the government to honor its manifesto commitments by providing long-overdue welfare schemes for contract and outsourcing staff, who currently face low wages despite long working hours.

Key Resolutions Passed

1. Immediate implementation of job security measures for all contract and outsourcing drivers.
2. Granting of seniority-based increments and financial benefits.
3. Issuance of ESI health cards for all contract drivers.
4. Equal treatment and benefits for outsourcing employees as provided to regular government staff.

During the meeting, Sansani Srinivasa Rao, President of the AP Government Drivers' Central Association, criticized the lack of new vehicle procurement for over two decades. He argued that the current reliance on rental vehicles is draining state resources and urged the government to cancel this policy in favor of purchasing new vehicles. He also called for the regularization of eligible contract drivers.

Representatives from the Contract and Outsourcing Employees' Association, including State President K. Suman and General Secretary A. Suresh Babu, emphasized the need for parity in benefits with permanent government drivers, including comprehensive health insurance coverage.

The gathering was attended by hundreds of drivers from across the state, who unanimously passed resolutions aimed at securing better working conditions. The APJAC Amaravati pledged to intensify its efforts to push the government toward fulfilling these demands.