YS Sharmila Alleges G.O. 975 Favors Corporates Over Municipal Workers

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Government Order (G.O.) No. 975 , alleging that it would accelerate the privatisation of municipal services and put the livelihoods of thousands of municipal workers at risk.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Sharmila said she was writing to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , urging the coalition government to revoke the order. She accused the administration of pursuing policies that favour private corporations while undermining the interests of workers who form the backbone of urban civic services.

Calling municipal workers the "unsung workforce" that keeps cities and towns functioning, Sharmila said no government has the moral right to push them into uncertainty. She alleged that G.O. 975 , along with G.O. 673 , could pave the way for increased outsourcing of civic services such as sanitation, waste management, park maintenance and other municipal operations , a move that workers' unions fear could weaken job security and employment protections. Opposition parties and trade unions have been demanding the withdrawal of both government orders, claiming they encourage privatisation of essential civic functions.

The Congress leader accused the TDP-led coalition government of promoting privatisation across several sectors since assuming office while neglecting public welfare. She said the government's approach was jeopardising the future of thousands of families that depend on municipal employment despite their critical contribution to maintaining public health, sanitation and urban infrastructure.

Sharpening her political attack, Sharmila criticised Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh , saying they were focused on promoting Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology during overseas visits while failing to address the concerns of workers at home. She also targeted Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan , accusing him of encouraging divisive politics instead of standing with employees, and criticised the Municipal Administration Minister for remaining silent on the issue.

She further alleged that the government's actions contradicted the assurances made to employees before the elections and warned that policies threatening existing jobs would erode public confidence. Governments that ignore the welfare of workers and ordinary citizens, she said, ultimately face rejection by the people.

Reaffirming the Congress party's stand, Sharmila said it would extend unconditional support to the ongoing struggle of municipal workers. She warned that if the government failed to withdraw G.O. 975 , it would be solely responsible for any escalation of workers' protests and the growing public discontent.

The controversy comes amid continuing protests by municipal workers' unions , which argue that the proposed reforms prioritise private participation over workforce welfare. While the government has maintained that the changes are intended to improve the efficiency of urban local bodies, employee organisations insist that any reforms should safeguard existing jobs, wages and service conditions.