CityLightBuzz: CPI State Secretary, MLA and Honorary President of the Singareni Collieries Workers Union (AITUC), Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, has called for a comprehensive action plan to safeguard the future of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), describing the public sector coal giant as the “heart of Telangana’s economy.”
Addressing a press conference at Makhdum Bhavan in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Kunamneni said the Manuguru PKOC-II Deep Side Block was secured for Singareni due to the persistent struggles led by the Singareni Collieries Workers Union (AITUC) and CPI. He expressed gratitude to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy for ensuring that the coal block remained with Singareni instead of being diverted to private entities. According to Kunamneni, there were attempts to allot the Manuguru Deep Block through GENCO, which could have eventually benefited private companies. He said AITUC and CPI organized hunger strikes, protests, and demonstrations against the move before submitting a representation to the Chief Minister. Following the government’s intervention, the proposal was withdrawn and the block was retained by Singareni.
Concern Over Privatization
The CPI leader alleged that attempts are being made to weaken Singareni by portraying it as a loss-making enterprise. He claimed that nearly ₹56,000 crore is pending from various government agencies and public utilities to Singareni, affecting its financial stability. He urged the government to clear these dues and strengthen the company’s financial position.
Regularize 40,000 Contract Workers
Kunamneni demanded the regularization of nearly 40,000 contract workers employed in Singareni, stating that they perform work comparable to permanent employees but receive significantly lower wages and limited benefits. He also called for an increase in their salaries and better welfare measures.
Develop New Coal Mines
He urged the government to develop new mining projects in Sattupalli, Sravanpalli, Chennur, Koyagudem, Gundala, Penuballi, and other potential coal-bearing regions. He also demanded that coal blocks already allotted to private companies be brought back under the public sector.
Appeal to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy
Describing Singareni as Telangana’s most valuable public sector enterprise, Kunamneni appealed to Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy to protect the company from coal block auctions under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR). He urged the Centre to evolve a special mechanism to ensure Singareni’s coal blocks remain outside the auction process.
RTC Merger and Workers’ Issues
The CPI leader also demanded the immediate conduct of RTC employees’ union recognition elections and implementation of the government’s promise to merge RTC with the State Government. He warned that fresh agitations would be launched if the assurance was not fulfilled.
Implement El Niño Committee Recommendations
Kunamneni urged the Telangana Government to implement the recommendations of the El Niño Expert Committee headed by Dr. G. Chinna Reddy, including promoting drip irrigation, encouraging alternative crops, extending support to small farmers, and restoring the Medigadda, Annaram, and Sundilla barrages.
He further demanded the early completion of the Tummidihetti Project, stating that it would provide irrigation to nearly two lakh acres in Adilabad district.
Pending Welfare Measures
The CPI leader called for the immediate clearance of pending student fee reimbursement, settlement of retired employees’ dues, and implementation of minimum wages for workers in the unorganized sector, including Panchayat and Municipal employees.
He also urged the Telangana Government to conduct the forthcoming Assembly session for at least 10 days to facilitate detailed discussions on public issues. While appreciating the objectives of HYDRAA, he advised authorities to ensure balanced implementation without unnecessary excesses.
Nationwide CPI Campaign
Kunamneni announced that the CPI will organize nationwide awareness and protest campaigns from August 6 to August 14 against what it termed the Central Government’s anti-people policies. He also announced a mass protest in New Delhi on September 1 and Telangana Armed Struggle Week celebrations from September 11.
Commenting on national politics, he welcomed recent democratic movements led by students and reiterated that governments must respect public opinion and people’s struggles. He concluded by stressing that protecting Singareni, safeguarding workers’ rights, and preserving public sector enterprises should remain a priority for both the State and Central Governments.
