TELANGANA GAZETTED OFFICERS’ CENTRAL ASSOCIATION,. TELANGANA STATE :: AT HYDERABAD
History of Telangana:
The history of the Telangana region in India is rich and diverse, shaped by its unique geographical, cultural, and political context. Telangana, located in the Deccan Plateau, has been influenced by various dynasties, empires, and movements throughout history. Telangana’s history is a testament to its resilience, blending of cultures, and the aspirations of its people. Telangana is a dynamic state, balancing its traditional roots with rapid economic and technological progress, making it a unique and culturally vibrant region in India.
The Archaeological evidence suggests that Telangana was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic age. Sites like Pochampally and the Godavari valley reveal stone tools and rock paintings.
During Satavahana Dynasty (230 BCE – 220 CE) Telangana was an integral part of the Satavahana Empire, which ruled much of the Deccan region. The Satavahanas were known for their contributions to trade, administration, Buddhism and cultural growth. TheIkshvaku Dynasty (3rd Century CE) which succeeded the Satavahana Dynasty has promoted Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Kakatiya Dynasty (12th–14th Century) based in Warangal, were significant rulers of Telangana. They built impressive fortifications like the Warangal Fort and irrigation systems like the Ramappa Lake. They brought prominence to Telangana through temple architecture (e.g., the Thousand Pillar Temple). Rudramadevi one of the few female rulers in Indian history, was a notable Kakatiya monarch.After the fall of the Kakatiya dynasty, Telangana came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate (14th – 15th century) and later the Bahmani Sultanate. This period marked the introduction of Islamic culture and architecture in Telangana Region.
The Qutb Shahi Dynasty (1518–1687) i.e., the Golconda Sultanate, under the Qutub Shahis, emerged as a significant power. They constructed the Golconda Fort and founded Hyderabad city in 1591. The world known Charminar and other architectural marvels were built during this time. The Telangana region came under Mughal rule (1687 – 1724) after Aurangzeb’s conquest of Golconda.
Asaf Jahi Dynasty (Nizam Rule) (1724–1948): Telangana became part of the Hyderabad State under the Nizam, who ruled as semi-independent monarchs under British suzerainty. The Nizams modernized Hyderabad, making it a center of education, culture, arts and infrastructure. Telangana experienced a feudal system under the Nizams, with significant socio-economic inequalities.
Hyderabad State and Indian Independence (1947–1948): After India’s independence, the Nizam initially resisted joining the Indian Union. After Operation Polo, a military action by India in 1948, integrated Hyderabad into the Indian Union w.e.f. 17-09-1948.
Post-Independence and Merger with Andhra Pradesh (1956):Telangana was merged with the Andhra region to form Andhra Pradesh in 1956 based on linguistic lines with gentlemen agreement. This decision lead to discontent among Telangana residents due to perceived neglect and unequal development and discrimination in the field of Water distribution, Jobs recruitments and funds allocation.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
Telangana is known for its rich cultural heritage, including Perini Shivatandavam (a classical dance form), Bonalu festival, peerla panduga and Bathukamma celebrations. Architectural landmarks like the Golconda Fort, Charminar, Ramappa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Warangal Fort highlight its historical importance. Telangana architecture is influenced by Kakatiya and Qutub Shahi styles.
The region’s literature, especially in Telugu and Urdu, reflects a blend of Deccan and South Indian traditions. Festivals like Bathukamma (floral festival), Bonalu and Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara highlight the state’s unique identity. Other common Indian festivals, such as Dasserah (vijaya dasami), Diwali and Eid & Christmas are widely celebrated. Each of these reflects the political, cultural, and socio-economic evolution of Telangana, shaping its unique identity.Historical movements in Telangana:
There was a freedom moment in all over India. Contrary to this, a reactionary movement known as Rajakar moment which is aimed at continuing the monarchy in Hyderabad State and which was totally abetted by the Jamindars was launched by Kasim Razvi. Rajakars perpetrated heinous crimes. Countering this, the farmers of Telangana with support of the Communist Party took up arms and launched a gorilla warfare also known as world noted SAAYUDA RAITHAANGA PORAATAM against the Nizam sarkar and their supporting Zamindars and Patel Patwaries. With this struggle, the Nizams government was weakened and he was forced to merge his country with the Indian Union after Operation Polo a military action by Indian Government on 17-09-1948.
But, after the end of Nizams rule, a military government was formed under the stewardship of a Civil Servant by name Vellodi. He recruited English knowing employees in Secretariat and in all heads of the departments from Madras State ignoring the claims of local people. Hence, Idly Sambar go back movement was started in 1954 itself. Andhra Pradesh was formed in 1956 on linguistic basis after entering into a Gentlemen Agreement between Telangana and Andhra region.
Further, in violation of Mulki Rules Andhras were filled in offices. Hence, Andhra go back movement was started by the students and employees (non Gazetted-Gazetted Officers) in 1969 which was brutally crushed by the then State Government by killing nearly 400 students in Police firing. Hence, the students who failed to achieve a separate statehood for Telangana moved into the forests and started struggle against the class enemy. Thus, Telangana is called the land of struggle. However Indiara Gandhi pronounced 6 point formula to defuse tensions.
Telangana Language, Literature& Arts:
Telangana, located in southern India, is a state rich in culture and history. It’s socio-economic conditions are shaped by a mix of traditional and modern influences.
Telugu is the official language, with a significant Urdu-speaking population. Telangana has a rich literary tradition, including works from the Kakatiya and Qutub Shahi periods.Folk literature, particularly oral traditions, plays a crucial role in cultural expression. Folk arts like Perini Shivathandavam (a warrior dance), Burrakatha and Oggu Katha reflect the region’s heritage.
Telangana’s music includes Janapada Patalu (folk songs) and devotional songs. Instruments like the dappu, dolu, tabla (a percussion instrument) are commonly used.
Telangana’s cuisine is spicy and diverse, with dishes like Sakinalu, Biryani, and Pachi Pulusu (a tamarind-based dish).Millet-based foods and pickles like Avakai are also staples.
Telangana Movement :
The first major movement for a separate Telangana state began in 1969.
A widespread agitation arose demanding a separate Telangana state. The movement highlighted Students, workers, and political leaders protested against perceived discrimination in allocation of resources, jobs, and development.
Renewed Movements (1990s–2014s): The demand for a separate Telangana state gained momentum again in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It played a pivotal role in reviving the demand for statehood. Prolonged protests and negotiations brought national attention to Telangana’s issues.
Formation of Telangana State (2014): On June 2, 2014, Telangana was officially carved out as the 29th state of India. Hyderabad became the joint capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for 10 years, although it is primarily Telangana’s capital. This marked the culmination of decades of struggle for a separate state. Initiatives like the revival of water bodies (Mission Kakatiya) and forestation (Haritha Haram) have focused on environmental and rural development in Telangana. Telangana, especially Hyderabad has seen significant growth in the IT sector, becoming a global hub for technology and innovations.
Socio-Economic Conditions of Telangana :
Agriculture is the backbone of Telangana’s economy, with rice, cotton, and turmeric as major crops and millets. The state has introduced initiatives like Mission Kakatiya to revive traditional irrigation systems and Rythu/farmer welfare schemes.Telangana is a hub for IT and pharmaceuticals, especially in Hyderabad, often referred to as “Cyberabad.” Major industrial areas include Hyderabad, Warangal, and Ramagundam.
Rapid urbanization is centered around Hyderabad, while rural areas are still developing. Initiatives like the Hyderabad Metro Rail and the Pharma City Project contribute to infrastructure growth.
Telangana has several prestigious institutions, including the Indian School of Business (ISB) and Osmania University. The government has focused on improving healthcare services, but rural areas still face challenges like accessibility and quality.
The state has a mix of traditional jobs (agriculture, weaving) and modern employment opportunities in IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Unemployment in rural areas remains a concern despite urban job growth.
Social Issues :
Telangana faces challenges like poverty, gender inequality, and caste-based disparities. The government has implemented many welfare schemes like Kalyana Lakshmi for women’s empowerment and Dalit Bandhu etc. for social upliftment. Telangana’s tourism contributes significantly to its economy, with attractions like Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, Ramappa Temple, thousand pillars temple, Laknavaram lake and Nagarjuna Sagar Dam& Buddha Vanam drawing visitors.
Formation of Telangana Gazetted Officers Association:
Thousands of jobs meant for Telanganites in Telangana Region were illegally occupied by the Andhra employees and they got promotions in all key posts in violation of 6 point formula. Thus, Telangana employees & un-employees became foreigners in their own home land. Till then there was no Central Union unifying all departments except some Department Unions.
At this need of the our Sri V.Srinivas Goud & Sri Eluri Sreenivasa Rao Gazetted officers convened a meeting of delegation of Gazetted Officers of all Departments pertaining to Telangana region and formed an Association by name TELANGANA GAZETTED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION in 2007. Sri V. Srinivas Goud was made President and Sri Eluri Sreenivas Rao as the General Secretary. The said Association was recognized by the then Government of Andhra Pradesh through vide GO Ms No. 647, dt. 08-11-2010 &G.O.Ms.No.406, GA (SW-I) Department, dt. 03-05-2014. Now the Association spread over throughout Telangana having Central Association besides (33) District Branches, (2) Special Branches and (106) Departmental Forums, with approximately 42000 membership.
Logo and Flag of the Association:
Logo of the Association is a round stamp within with round red circle with white letters ‘TELANGANA GAZETTED OFFICERS ASSOCIATION’ in that lower level state emblem in between two stars, in inner circle consist form of Associations written as “TGOs” in semi circle shape in red letters underneath which there is a caption named “Work is Worship”. FLAG of the Association shall be 90 Cm x 120 Cms size made with pure white cloth. Emblem of the Association embossed on it with in territorial line of Telangana at Centre of the Flag.
Aims and objectives of TGOs Association:
A lot of injustice is being meted out to the Telanganites by Andhra ruling class in “Neellu, Nidhulu and Niyamakaalu (in River waters, in allocation of Jobs and Funds).
The TGOs Association has decided to achieve fair share in recruitments, implementation of 6 point formula i.e., local and non-local and strict observation of zonal system in jobs, fair representation to the Telangana employees including Gazetted Officers in Secretariat as well as in all heads of the departments and openly participated in the movement and fought for separate statehood for Telangana region. This is only the Gazetted Officers Association throughout India fought for the separate statehood in the interests of Telangana people.
The Association aimed to strive for prosperity and welfare of the members and to protect their rights and privileges. To secure better wages and safeguard the rights and privileges. To inculcate and faster the spirit of Service to mankind, Patriotism and National integrity. To strive for redressal of the grievances and to educate, inculcate and promote a greater sense of honesty and sincerity towards their duties. To develop rapport with sister organizations to create a common dais to strive for achieving “common problems” with a spirit of “live and let live” and to support legitimate demands of other working class. To promote talents and skills of the members and to develop team spirit among the Gazetted Officers. To extend moral support to the public agitation’s and movements of social concern, as member of fellow society. To do all that which is necessary for the welfare of Gazetted Officers and their families.Role of Telangana Gazetted Officers Association in Telangana movement:
The Telangana Gazetted Officers (TGOs’) Association played a crucial role in the Telangana movement, which led to the formation of the state of Telangana in 2014. This association represented government employees holding Gazetted ranks, who became active participants in advocating for the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and the creation of Telangana. The Association provided a unified platform for Telangana-origin government employees to raise their voices for the statehood demand. It ensured that bureaucratic and administrative personnel actively supported the movement while balancing their professional responsibilities.
The Association mobilized thousands of government employees across departments to support strikes, protests, and rallies organized by the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC). They were instrumental in organizing large-scale strikes, such as the Sakala Janula Samme in 2011, during which government employees halted work for nearly 42 days to pressurize the government.
The TGOs’ Association highlighted the discrimination and neglect of Telangana employees in terms of promotions, postings, and representation within the unified Andhra Pradesh administration. The Association provided data and testimonials that strengthened the argument for statehood based on regional inequality and injustice.Leaders of the TGOs’ Association, such as Sri V. Srinivas Goud, Sri Eluri Sreenivas Rao and Sri A. Satyanarayana became significant voices in the movement. They actively participated in debates and negotiations with political and administrative bodies.
Their role gave legitimacy to the movement, as it brought together intellectual and administrative sections of society, showcasing that the demand for Telangana had widespread support beyond political factions.
The Association became a part of Joint Action Committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Kodanda Ram, which blew a full-throated buggle horn for achieving a separate statehood for Telangana. The Association coordinated among various groups, including students, political parties, and employees. Their cooperation ensured better coordination for statewide strikes and protests.
Relentless struggle was launched by the Association involving the people of all walks of life in Telangana in different forms of struggles like(1) Pen down strike, (2)Non-cooperation, (3)Vanta vaarpu,(4) Niraahaara deeksha, (5)Sakala janula sammeh, (6)Saagara haaram, (7)Million march(8) Sunsadu yathra (Parliamnet)(9) Sadak bandhu etc.
The TGO Association also played a pivotal role in emphasizing the cultural and historical identity of Telangana, which was one of the foundational aspects of the movement. By linking advocacy with the region’s distinct heritage, helped foster a strong emotional connection among the people. Even after the formation of Telangana in 2014. Members of the TGO Association continued to work towards equitable governance and representation for Telangana employees in the new administrative setup.
The Telangana Gazetted Officers Association acted as a vital force in the movement by providing intellectual leadership, organizing large-scale employee participation, and strengthening the socio-economic arguments for the creation of Telangana. Their disciplined and strategic approach significantly contributed to the success of the Telangana movement.Ultimately, the UPA government under the chairmanship of Smt. Sonia Gandhi conceded the demand of separate statehood for Telangana on 02-06-2014 bowing to the memorable struggle landed by the whole people of Telangana which resembles the great French Revolution of 1779 wherein the most powerful emperor of France was paraded in the streets and beheaded by the poor the bare-footed revolutionary masses of Paris.
Activities in Strengthening the Association:
Telangana Gazetted Officers Association leaders held meetings in Secretariat, all district headquarters and in all the heads of offices in the state capital to strengthen the Association. Emulating the examples of Telangana Gazetted Officers Association District Branches & Departmental Forums were formed in Telangana.
Association role in resolving grievances of Gazetted Officers:
With the genuine demands and pressure tactics adopted by the Telangana Gazetted Officers Association, the gazette officers hailing from Andhra Pradesh were repatriated to their native state and in the vacancies caused by them, Telangana Officers got promotions. Further, the Telangana Gazetted Officers Association along with other sister Associations achieved 43% fitment in pay in 2015 and also 30% fitment in 2018 for the employees of Telangana state.
The Telangana Gazetted Officers Association is relentlessly working for the welfare of all Gazetted Officers in Telangana state in getting good salaries, resolving the grievances of officers, getting promotions from time to time and to safeguard the interests of every Gazetted Officer and their families in Telangana State in coordination with the sister concerned Associations/Unions.