Hyderabad : With the term of the recognised trade union in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) having ended, the state govt is expected to take a decision soon on conducting fresh union elections, triggering political activity across the coal belt.
However, the winning unions accepted their election certificates only in Sept 2024, demanding a four-year tenure instead of the stipulated two years. The Congress govt has announced several welfare measures, including decisions relating to compassionate appointments, dependent employment, housing and other benefits.
Sources said elections to the recognised SCCL trade union could be held in late Nov or Dec. If the govt conveys its stand to the court, the election schedule is expected to follow soon. Anticipating fresh elections, political parties have sharpened their focus on workers’ issues. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy has also promised to resolve the long-pending Singareni house pattas issue. Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka too has held meetings with employees on SCCL-related issues as parties intensify preparations ahead of the crucial union polls.
The issue is currently before the high court, where some unions have sought directions for conduct of elections and raised other related demands.