Since the formation of Chandrababu Naidu- led government the future of the village and ward volunteers has practically been kept in hold. Though several ministers are stating that the government is thinking on how to streamline this system and make use of their services more effectively, there is confusion on the continuation of this system by the present government.
According to sources, the government is likely to discuss the volunteer system in the forthcoming cabinet meeting on October 10. Also a decision is likely to be taken deciding an honorarium of Rs 10,000 per month to them, along with resuming their duties. Moreover, the government is said to be planning to provide the salary to the volunteers for four months at once.
But, so far the government has not made any official announcement on the issue of volunteers. It may be recalled that the volunteer system was introduced during the previous YSRCP government. One volunteer has been appointed for every 50 houses in each village and ward.
Apart from distributing pensions every month, they also performed the duties related to government schemes. But when the election schedule came in March 2024, the Election Commission barred the use of their services in election-related works. Their mobiles have been taken back.
In order to mount pressure on the opposition TDP, alleging it was due to their complaint the Election Commission acted against them, YCP leaders and MLAs provoked them to ‘resign in protest’, with a promise they would be taken back after elections are over. As a result nearly half of volunteers have resigned.
But, as the YCP has witnessed a humiliating defeat in the elections, the fate of resigned volunteers became worse. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has not only promised during the election campaign that volunteer services would be continued, but also promised a hike in their salaries. However, he said that their services will be streamlined and used in a more systematic way.