The Andhra Pradesh Government Employees’ Association (APGEA) on Monday (September 28, 2026) demanded immediate suspension of the implementation of the Presidential Order-2025 on the zonal system, stating that it could affect the employment prospects of serving employees and unemployed youth.
In a statement, APGEA general secretary M. Ramesh Kumar and president Kashibhattla Ramasuryanarayana said that the association would launch an awareness campaign under the banner “Jago Andhra,” beginning with meetings in the North Andhra districts from October 12 to 15.
The zonal system was introduced in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh following regional movements and the incorporation of Article 371-D into the Constitution. After bifurcation, however, they questioned the need for continuing the system in its present form and sought a detailed review of the constitutional and legal basis of the 2025 order.
APGEA leaders expressed concern over the conversion of State-level cadre posts into multi-zone posts, which it said could affect employment opportunities for meritorious unemployed candidates. They also questioned the inclusion of certain Group-I posts, earlier classified as State-level cadres, in the multi-zone cadre.
The association leaders raised concerns over reserving jobs in Amaravati and Visakhapatnam for the local residents, and said this could affect opportunities for candidates from other regions. It also sought clarity on the application of the 2025 order to employees appointed under the 1975 Presidential Order, particularly its implications for seniority, promotions and accrued service rights, they said.
APGEA leaders questioned the constitutional basis for creating new district, zone, and multi-zone cadres and sought clarity on the application of local preferences and geographical restrictions under Article 371-D. It also sought an assessment of the new system’s compatibility with Articles 14, 15, 16 and 19 of the Constitution.
The leaders said they had submitted a representation to the Chief Secretary and, after consultations with legal experts, decided to approach the higher courts. It urged the government to undertake an expert-level review before implementing the order and issue clear guidelines to protect employees’ rights.
Published – September 28, 2026 07:39 pm IST
