Andhra Pradesh election staff demand payment, basic amenities during local body polls

Staff deployed for Andhra Pradesh's local body elections are facing severe hardship, with employees reporting unpaid dues stretching over extended periods alongside inadequate access to food and water at polling stations and administrative centers, according to representations from employee unions.

The Andhra Pradesh Government Employees Association (APGEA) has formally escalated the matter, urging the Chief Secretary and State Election Commissioner to enforce revised remuneration orders that remain outstanding. The association contends that poll workers have not received their dues despite weeks of service, creating significant financial distress for thousands of government staff involved in election operations.

The grievances underscore broader challenges in poll administration, where temporary and contract staff often bear the burden of inadequate resource allocation. Election officials typically face long working hours with minimal facilities, and the current situation highlights gaps in basic welfare provisions during the election period.

Without immediate intervention from state authorities, the association has warned that continued delays in payment and failure to provide essential amenities could impact the efficiency and morale of election staff. The matter comes amid ongoing local body elections across multiple constituencies in the state.