Hyderabad: The future of about 1,700 civil employees working in the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is uncertain. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has not yet decided on their job continuation after the SCB merges with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
Currently, the SCB employs 400 permanent staff and 1,300 outsourced workers.
Some employees have expressed concerns that despite two years passing since the merger discussions began, no higher authorities from the Cantonment or MoD have met with them. Issues like pay scales, seniority, promotion prospects, and the future of pensioners remain unclear. There is also no information on how many employees will be absorbed by the state government.
The employees’ union has submitted various requests to the SCB’s chief executive officer, the Cantonment Board president, the principal director of the Southern Command, and the chairman of the eight-member excision committee. However, there has been no confirmation. Notices were issued by the MoD twice, but officials have not personally addressed the employees.
Akula Mahender, president of the Secunderabad Cantonment Employees Union and joint secretary of the All India Cantonment Board Employees Federation, stated that the MoD seems more concerned about lands and bungalows than the employees’ futures. He highlighted that many employees, including himself, have worked in the Board for decades. If transferred to distant locations, they would face significant hardships. This issue affects all 62 Cantonments in the country.
Another concern is the lack of filled compassionate appointments since 2011. Employees worry that after the merger with GHMC, their future will be even more uncertain, and there should be clarity on transfers. For example, a sanitation department employee transferred to the electrical department would face difficulties. Since 1991, employees have been requesting housing sites on a payment basis, but there has been no progress. Mahender stressed the need for the MoD to provide complete clarity before the merger.
According to the MoD’s recent excision modalities, employees working in Cantonment Boards can choose to work for either the Central or State government municipality. Depending on the Cantonment Board’s needs, staff might be transferred to local station Army HQ/Army establishments if accepted. Otherwise, these employees should be absorbed into Central government agencies. The Cantonment Board could also offer a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) option.
