Pingili Sripal Reddy Elected President of PRTU Telangana for Fourth Consecutive Term
Mahabubabad teachers continue to play a key role in union leadership
Hyderabad October 12: In a significant development for the teaching community, the Progressive Recognized Teachers Union (PRTU) Telangana held its 35th State Council meeting in Hyderabad, where Pingili Sripal Reddy was unanimously elected as the state president for the fourth consecutive term. Pulgam Damodar Reddy was elected as the general secretary for the first time. The new working group, selected unanimously, will serve for a two-year term.
Sripal Reddy, who hails from Gudur mandal in Mahabubabad district, has been a longstanding leader within PRTU, holding several positions such as district president and general secretary on multiple occasions. His contributions to the teachers’ movement and his organizational skills have earned him a prominent place not just in PRTU Telangana but also on a national level, where he serves as the working president of the All India Federation of Teachers’ Organizations (AIFTO).
Mahabubabad Teachers and Their Key Role in PRTU’s History
The roots of PRTU lie in Mahabubabad, where the union was first established by its inaugural state president, Yadagiri. Initially known as the Panchayat Raj Teachers Union, it aimed at addressing the concerns of teachers working in rural areas under Panchayat Raj institutions. Over time, the union evolved into the Progressive Teachers Union, gaining momentum and a wider membership base across Telangana. The leadership role that Mahabubabad teachers have played in the union has been pivotal, and now, after four decades, another Mahabubabad teacher, Pingili Sripal Reddy, has risen to lead PRTU at the state level.
Mahabubabad’s influence in PRTU is further strengthened by the participation of other key figures like Nukala Geetha, a government school teacher from the district, who serves as the National Vice President of AIFTO and the State Women Associate President of PRTU Telangana. This consistent representation from Mahabubabad underscores the district’s enduring contribution to the teachers’ movement in the state.
Pulgam Damodar Reddy Joins the Leadership Team
Pulgam Damodar Reddy, who hails from Kankhal in Kamareddy district, was elected as the general secretary of PRTU for the first time. With extensive experience as PRTU district president for five terms, Damodar Reddy brings significant administrative and organizational skills to his new role as state general secretary.
MLC Raghotham Reddy Calls for Action on Teachers’ Issues
During the meeting, MLC Kura Raghotham Reddy raised pressing concerns related to the welfare of teachers. He called on the State government to address the backlog of bills concerning teachers’ surrender leaves, GPF, TGLI, medical expenses, and retirement benefits, all of which have been pending for the past two years. He demanded that these be cleared before the upcoming Dasara festival and urged the government to release five DAs as a Dasara gift.
In addition, MLC Raghotham Reddy insisted on the swift implementation of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) report, with a 50 percent fitment, and the extension of health cards with cashless treatment for teachers by January. He warned that failure to meet these demands would result in an agitation plan being announced in the near future.
Nukala Geetha’s Participation Highlights Role of Women Leaders
Nukala Geetha’s participation as the National Vice President of AIFTO and State Women Associate President of PRTU Telangana emphasized the growing role of women leaders in the teachers’ union. Her active engagement in the discussions highlighted the focus on both gender representation and teacher welfare, ensuring that PRTU remains inclusive and representative of the diverse teaching community across Telangana.
The 35th Council meeting of PRTU Telangana concluded on a note of unity and purpose, with the newly elected leadership pledging to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of teachers across the state. The key roles played by Mahabubabad teachers, from its foundation to present-day leadership, stand as a testament to the district’s lasting impact on the union’s growth and achievements.
The meeting venue was arranged by Medchal District President Rameshwar Goud and General Secretary Anand Reddy.
