`No privatization’: Seemingly rattled by strike call, Telangana govt invites TGSRTC JAC for talks on Feb 10
The action follows the strike notice submitted by the TGSRTC JAC to the management on January 27
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy Published on 8 Feb 2025 1:21 PM IST
TGSRTC buses (File Photo)
Hyderabad: The state government has invited the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to discuss their long-pending demands.
The government has fixed the meeting at the Labor Commissioner's Office here on February 10.
The action follows the strike notice submitted by the TGSRTC JAC to the management on January 27. They have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from February 9 if the state government fails to address their long-pending demands.
JAC submits strike notice with 21 demands
TGSRTC JAC general secretary I Venkanna said that the JAC submitted a notice with 21 demands to the RTC management which includes allocation of 3 percent funds to the Corporation in the State budget and merger of RTC employees with the government as per the TSRTC (Absorption of Employees into Government Service) Bill, 2023 passed by the Legislative Assembly in August 2023.
The other demands include payment of two pending Pay Revision Commissions (PRCs) with arrears dating back to 2021, release of PF dues, implementation of poll promises to the RTC employees, stopping the privatization of electric buses, which unions argue endangers jobs since private operators allegedly pocket government subsidies, issuance of smart cards to the women passengers under Mahalakshmi scheme instead of zero ticket and others.
“The state government and TGSRTC management should realize that the strike notice was given by the JAC to address the long pending demands of the employees which are left unaddressed, but not for personal benefit or self-interest," Venkanna said.
TSRTC is solely responsible for the administration of all buses
In a video conference held with the employees, TGSRTC managing director VC Sajjanar stated that TSRTC is solely responsible for the administration of all buses, including electric ones, within depots. Trying to clear misunderstandings about privatization, he assured the employee that the firm remains committed to its operations.
Sajjanar said that certain people are deliberately spreading incorrect information about the Corporation’s launch of new eco-friendly electric buses and the privatization of depots. He urged the staff not to believe in the false narrative. He assured them that no employees would be laid off as a result of the electric bus initiative.
TGSRTC MD also made it clear that the RTC will continue to run as long as there are people to serve, and that personnel should not be concerned about the transition to electric buses. The state government has recently authorized the filling of 3,038 posts, and the recruiting process for these roles is currently ongoing, he added.
