Hyderabad Civic staff seek GHMC Commisioner Somesh Kumar's transfer

Meanwhile, many paid their respect to G. Ashok, the valuation officer (Circle 5), who passed away in a shock after he was issued suspension orders by the commissioner. The head office witnessed high drama with slogans raised against the commissioner’.

Vinay Kapur, president Bhagyanagar Municipal GHMC Employees' Union, said, “On Wednesday, following the strike, GHMC commissioner Somesh Kumar sent a couple of deputy and zonal commissioners to negotiate and convince the employees to call off the protest, stating that he would change his style of working. He wanted us to ignore the past incidents.

However, we have not come to any terms with them and the strike is on unless we get a call from the chief secretary regarding the commissioner’s transfer.”

On Thursday, all the 3,500 Class IV staff, including the sanitation wing employees, will wear black badges and boycott duties. They have submitted letters to the Governor and Chief Minister, with a single demand: Transfer GHMC commissioner Somesh Kumar.

Bill collectors, junior section officers, office superintendents and revenue division employees took part in the strike. The agitators threatened that if the government did not take a call immediately, all health and sanitation wing (garbage lifting and transporting) functions, electrical, anti-larval as well as fogging operations will be stopped.

Meanwhile, G. Ashok, the Circle-5 valuation officer who was to retire in May 2015, was cremated at Amberpet. During a recent review meeting, the commissioner had ordered the suspension of the valuation officer, who was suffering from high blood pressure and asthma. He had been on a month's medical leave.