CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao
| Photo Credit: File photo
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Government Orders (G.O.s) 673 and 975 pertaining to municipal administration, alleging that they would pave the way for large-scale privatisation of municipal services across Andhra Pradesh.Addressing a press conference here on Monday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said the Municipal Administration Department had issued G.O. Rt. No. 975 and subsequently circulated a memorandum to all municipalities for its implementation.Mr. Srinivasa Rao alleged that the government had decided to entrust 14 categories of municipal services to private agencies under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, effectively privatising a substantial segment of municipal administration and public services.He pointed out that local body elections were yet to be conducted and municipalities were currently being administered by officials. Once essential services were handed over to private entities, elected representatives and municipal chairpersons would have little role in decision-making even after local body elections were held, he alleged.The CPI(M) leader expressed concern that privatisation would lead to higher user charges, imposing an additional financial burden on urban residents. Municipal services operated on a profit-oriented basis would become costlier for the public, he said.Mr. Srinivasa Rao also warned that the policy could adversely affect municipal employees and sanitation workers by creating uncertainty over their jobs. Private contractors, he alleged, would rely more on mechanisation and a reduced workforce, leading to job losses and erosion of labour protections.Demanding the immediate withdrawal of G.O. 975, he said CPI(M)-affiliated municipal workers’ unions, public organisations and citizens’ groups would launch statewide protests if the government failed to reconsider the decision.He urged the State government to address the concerns raised by employees and the public and withdraw the order in the interests of municipal workers and urban residents. Published - June 01, 2026 07:34 pm IST
