Telangana govt awaits HC order on privatisation before final decision on TSRTC strike

Telangana government led by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday, vember 21, held a discussion on strike carried out by employees of Telangana State Ro Transport Corporation (TSRTC) and decided that it will wait for High Court's order as judicature is presently hearing pleas on privatisation of several RTC bus routes. In a press statement, KC Rao said, " High Court is expected to give its verdict on privatisation of RTC routes on Friday, vember 22. State government has decided to take a final decision after High Court verdict and after taking into consideration all related issues". 

This decision was reportedly taken after a meeting was held in Pragati Bhavan of Hyderab. It was attended by Transport Minister Puvva Ajay Kumar, Government's Chief visor Rajiv Sharma, Chief Secretary SK Joshi, Senior officials S Narsing Rao, Sunil Sharma, Ramakrishna Rao, Sandeep Sultania among ors. 

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Talking about debts, CMO office stated, " TSRTC as on date has debts of over Rs 5,000 Crore. It has about Rs 2,000 Crore debts and dues to be paid immediately. As per provident Fund officials' instructions, to pay September full salaries to employees, Rs 240 Crore is required. CCS to be paid is Rs 500 Crore. Diesel dues are also to be paid. Transport Tax dues are pending for last two years. New buses should be purchased to replace with 2,600 old buses. PF dues to tune of Rs 65-70 Crore are to be paid every month."

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"In total, to run TSRTC as on date, Rs 640 Crore is needed per month. Who will bear this financial burden? TSRTC has financial strength to incur this expenditure. Due to ecomic slow down, state government is also t in a position bear this financial burden," it ded.

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About strike

Telangana State Ro Transport Corporation (TSRTC) strike has been going on for over a month w. employees started a strike on October 5. Transport Corporation Joint Action Committee has been demanding for merger of Regional Transport Committee with Telangana government. y are also asking for prohibition of electric buses. According to reports, ever since beginning of strike, more than 2,000 buses have remained grounded in State. After TSRTC employee, Srinivas Reddy, who died after allegedly immolating himself, protests also broke out in different parts of city and or places, with employees raising slogans and holding state government responsible for his death.

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