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Telangana Minister Urges RTC Staff to End Strike, Promises Swift Resolution

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has appealed to RTC employees to end their ongoing strike, stating it is not a solution. He revealed a government-formed committee is examining their demands and will report within four weeks, clarifying this is not a delay tactic. The minister highlighted several welfare measures already implemented, including timely salaries, clearance of pending dues, and significant reductions in PF and CCS liabilities. He emphasized that the RTC is crucial for millions of daily passengers and urged employees to resume duties to avoid public inconvenience.

Key Points: Telangana Transport Minister Appeals to End RTC Strike

  • High-level committee reviewing demands
  • 29 of 32 issues have no objection
  • Salaries paid on 1st, PRC & DA cleared
  • PF & CCS dues significantly reduced
  • RTC is a lifeline for 65 lakh daily passengers
3 min read

Telangana transport minister appeals to RTC employees to end strike

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar urges RTC employees to call off their strike, citing a high-level committee review and key welfare steps taken.

"a strike is not a solution - Ponnam Prabhakar"

Hyderabad, April 22

Telangana's Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Wednesday urged employees of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see the government has cleared the 2017 PRC and is paying salaries on time. That's a big relief for employees. But the strike has been going on for a while. If 29 out of 32 issues have no objection, why not resolve them immediately? That would build trust. The remaining 3 can be discussed.
R
Rohit P
As someone whose mother depends on RTC buses to get to her hospital job, this strike has been a nightmare. Auto fares have doubled. I sympathize with the staff, but please find another way to protest. The minister's appeal makes sense – protect the organization that gives you jobs and serves the public.
A
Anjali F
Reducing PF dues from 1205 to 600 crores is a significant step. The monthly payments show commitment. However, "technical aspects" for merger and union recognition sounds like a classic delay tactic. The employees have waited long enough. The government must give a firm, time-bound commitment on these core issues.
K
Karthik V
Good to see compassionate appointments and reinstatements happening. That's real welfare. The recruitment of 4500+ staff will ease the workload massively. Employees should consider this progress. A recovering RTC benefits everyone. Call off the strike, let the committee work, and continue dialogue. Jai Telangana!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this from an Indian governance perspective. The minister is using both data (passenger numbers, financial figures) and emotional appeal (impact on the poor). The offer to resolve 29 issues immediately is a strong negotiating position. Hope both sides find middle ground soon.

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