Telangana transport minister appeals to RTC employees to end strike

Hyderabad, April 22 (IANS) Telangana’s Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday urged employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to call off the strike to protect the public organisation.

Stating that a strike is not a solution, the minister said a high-level committee formed by the government is looking into their demands, and a report is expected in four weeks.

The minister appealed to RTC employees and their families to call off the strike in the interest of protecting the organisation and ensuring public welfare.

He said in a statement that the government has already constituted a four-member committee of senior officials to address the issues. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within four weeks. He clarified that this is not a delay tactic.

Ponnam Prabhakar said that of the 32 issues raised by RTC employees, the government has no objection to 29 issues, and they can be resolved immediately. The remaining issues of the RTC merger and recognition of unions involve technical aspects and require detailed examination. These will be discussed with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, he said.

The minister highlighted key steps taken by the government for the welfare of employees. He said salaries were being paid on the first of every month, despite delays in the RTC merger. The long-pending 2017 PRC has been cleared along with pending DA dues, while the 2013 pending bonds have been settled.

He stated that PF dues have been reduced from Rs 1,205 crore to Rs 600 crore, while CCS dues have been reduced from Rs 690 crore to Rs 300 crore. Monthly payments of Rs 75 crore are being made towards PF and CCS.

He promised that the recruitment of 4,538 employees would be completed soon to reduce the workload. The government has made 1,134 compassionate appointments. Around 250 employees previously removed from service have been reinstated.

The minister emphasised that RTC is gradually recovering, and disruptions at this stage would harm both the institution and the public. RTC serves as a lifeline for rural and economically weaker sections, with around 65 lakh daily passengers, including 45 lakh women. Many depend on RTC for education, employment, and healthcare.

He urged employees to use democratic means of protest through their leadership without disrupting public transport. He stressed that poor people cannot afford alternative travel options.

He assured that the government is committed to resolving all issues and stands firmly with RTC employees, while urging them to resume duties and avoid inconvenience to the public.