Telangana HC directs State Govt, TSRTC employees to resolve issues

The Telangana High Court has directed the State Government and the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees to initiate a dialogue immediately to resolve the issues on Tuesday. According to reports, the High Court has posted the case for October 18. According to the President of the TSRTC, Ashwathama Reddy, the Telangana High Court heard both the versions of the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) workers, as well as the government.

Reports state that the striking employees have been firm about continuing the strike until their demands are fulfilled. Reddy further stated that they have refused to hold talks with the government, however, the court has directed to hold talks and resolve the issues. According to reports, the High Court has also ordered the striking employees to not let the normal public be affected due to the on-going issues. Further, sources to the agencies claimed that the State Government will be forming a committee including ministers and officials to hold talks with the RTC employees. 

The strike

The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) strike entered its 11th day on Tuesday. The employees started a strike on October 5. The Transport Corporation Joint Action Committee has been demanding for the merger of the Regional Transport Committee with the Telangana government. They are also asking for the prohibition of electric buses. According to reports, ever since the beginning of the strike, more than 2,000 busses have remained grounded in the State. After the TSRTC employee, Srinivas Reddy, who died after allegedly immolating himself, protests also broke out in different parts of the city and other places, with employees raising slogans and holding the state government responsible for his death. Further, the employees are also blaming the government for not taking any action even after two TSRTC employees have died. 

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CPI joins the strike

The Communist Party of India (CPI) leaders on Sunday joined the striking Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) employees. According to reports, the CPI leaders went to the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) depot, however, the police took the leaders into custody. They were further taken down to the police station, stated reports. 

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(With ANI inputs)