Minister requests RTC employees to withdraw their proposed strike

Ponnam Prabhakar urged RTC employees to withdraw their strike, assuring dialogue on grievances and noting improvements in finances, DA payments, and recruitment. He said the government is considering PRC while stressing that strikes would affect public services

Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has urged RTC employees to withdraw their proposed strike, assuring that the State government was ready to resolve their issues through dialogue.

The minister in a statement said that matters related to the RTC merger and labour unions fall under the government’s purview and already a committee was examining the merger issue.

“Except for these two aspects, the government is open to discussions on all other employee concerns. Our doors are always open for employees to present their grievances,” he said.

Further, highlighting recent measures, Prabhakar stated that a 2.1 per cent Dearness Allowance (DA) has been implemented and there are no pending DA dues.

The minister added that the government is also considering the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) for the RTC staff.

Referring to the merger process, the minister noted that the previous government had formed a committee on September 9, 2023, but the issue did not progress due to consecutive election schedules.

He said the current government, after assuming office, focused on strengthening RTC services, including launching the free bus travel scheme for women under the Mahalaxmi scheme.

Prabhakar said the RTC was now recovering, with over 90 depots reportedly running in profit. He stressed that a strike at this stage would inconvenience the public and affect the organisation’s stability.

The minister also pointed to financial improvements, stating that PF dues have been reduced from Rs 1,205 crore to Rs 600 crore, while CCS dues have come down from Rs 690 crore to Rs 300 crore.

Additionally, 2,978 new buses have been introduced and 1,134 compassionate appointments provided. Recruitment processes have been completed and new hires will join soon.

The minister urged employees to call off the strike and resolve issues amicably through discussions.