Move to depute 6,000 ward secretariat staff to govt depts sparks row

Vijayawada: The state government has decided to depute over 6,000 ward secretariat employees to various govt departments, sparking sharp controversy. A high-level committee led by the chief secretary identified 6,124 surplus staff after rationalisation of field secretariats. Employee associations, however, allege the move is intended to weaken grassroots administration.Officials argue the deputation will optimise manpower in departments facing acute vacancies. The plan covers revenue (1,200), panchayat raj and rural development (1,050), municipal administration (820), education (780), health (650), agriculture (420), civil supplies (300), women and child welfare (250), social welfare (210), backward classes welfare (180), tribal welfare (120), fisheries (70), animal husbandry (60), industries (50), tourism (40), transport (30), labour (25), IT and communications (19), and others (100). Deputation will be phased, with roles assigned based on qualifications and departmental needs.The govt has opted to utilise existing employees instead of going for fresh recruitment, thereby reducing financial burden. The deputation process will be carried out in phases, with employees assigned roles based on qualifications, experience and departmental requirements.The decision has triggered strong opposition. The AP Grama Ward Sachivalayam Employees Association leaders Shaik Abdul Razak and S Nageswara Rao accused the government of "distributing employees like daily wage labourers" and weakening the secretariat system. They termed the move "arbitrary and ill-conceived," stressing that nearly 47,000 posts remain vacant in the secretariat network.Union leaders warned that shifting 6,124 staff despite shortages would worsen workload and imbalance administration. They highlighted six years of stagnation without promotions, adding that such measures deepen stress among employees. The association demanded withdrawal of the deputation plan and urged merger of secretariat staff directly into their respective departments.