Why govt staff walked backwards during protest in Andhra

In a unique protest march, government employees in Andhra Pradesh walked backwards to show their discontent over new salary rules, as per reports. The backwards march reportedly took place outside the state secretariat in Amaravati on February 4.

A day earlier, a massive demonstration had taken place at the BRTS road in Vijayawada.

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Government workers are reportedly protesting against the recommendation of the 11th Pay Revision Commission, or PRC. These include a deduction for money paid earlier to govt workers as "interim relief" or IR.

Protestors claimed that despite their objections, and the Andhra Pradesh High Court's stay order, January salaries were paid as per the new system.

The government has justified the decision, with Chief Secretary Sameer Sharma reportedly comparing the situation to neighbouring Telangana. Sharma said that if the Andhra government had paid only dearness allowance, and not 27% interim relief, then the treasury would have been able to save Rs 10,000 crore over 30 months. He said that IR is like an interest-free loan which has to be recovered. He also said that the YSRCP government would follow the high court's orders.

Meanwhile, government employees have reportedly announced their intention to intensify protests from February 7.