Telangana govt begins recruitment drive; RTC JAC worried, says ready for talks

Union leaders meet Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan; Pawan Kalyan announces support to Telangana bandh call

Hyderabad: While the Telangana government has initiated a fresh recruitment process amid the ongoing RTC strike, the JAC of the TSRTC unions said that it is open for discussions with the state government. TSRTC management has begun accepting applications for recruiting drivers and conductors at all its bus depots.

The TSRTC management is confident of running 100 per cent of its bus fleet by completing fresh recruitment as early as possible. The TSRTC has also deployed its retired RTC staff on honorary payment.

“The TSRTC is running 55 per cent of its buses presently. In some districts, it is over 80 per cent. Very soon, 100 per cent of the buses will ply the roads once the fresh recruitment is completed. The notification for recruitment was released on Sunday. We're accepting the applications and conducting fitness tests for candidates. Women are coming in large numbers for the posts of conductors,” said a senior official at Bus Bhavan.

On the other hand, leaders of the RTC unions and employees met Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan at Raj Bhavan on Monday. JAC convener Ashwathama Reddy and other leaders briefed the Governor about the situation and the ongoing strike.

"The Telangana government should take responsibility to resolve the problems of the RTC employees. The unions are working to protect the rights of the employees. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao earlier assured us that the state government would recognise RTC employees on par with the government staff. We are ready for discussions with the state government. It would be good if Mr K. Keshava Rao comes forward to mediate. If he invites us for talks, we are always ready for discussions,” said Mr Ashwathama Reddy.

Jana Sena supports Telangana bandh call

The Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan on Monday announced his support to the Telangana bandh call on October 19 given by the JAC of the TSRTC employees.

"The TRS government should understand the RTC employees' anguish and agony. It is really sad that the two employees committed suicide. I appeal to all the employees to be courageous until justice is done. The dismissal of 48,000 employees has created panic among not only the RTC staff but other employees as well. I request the TRS government to resolve the RTC issue as early as possible," said Mr Pawan Kalyan.