Ponnam urges RTC employees to reconsider strike

Telangana Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has appealed to Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) employees to call off their planned strike, emphasizing that the corporation is on the path to financial recovery.

In a meeting with RTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) leaders on May 5, 2025, the minister criticized the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government for its decade-long neglect of RTC, which he claimed left the organization in a precarious state. His remarks come amid heightened tensions as RTC workers demand resolution of long-pending issues, including pay revisions and better working conditions.

Appeal to reconsider strike

Addressing the JAC leaders, Prabhakar urged RTC employees to reconsider their strike notice, stating that the current financial situation of the corporation does not support such action.

“RTC is just now recovering. This is not the time for a strike. I request workers to cooperate, keeping the corporation’s future in mind,” he said. He assured employees that the Congress-led government is fully committed to resolving their grievances, citing recent initiatives like the 21% pay revision effective from April 2024 and compassionate appointments for families of deceased workers.

The minister highlighted that systematic efforts are underway to address long-standing issues, including the procurement of 2,515 new buses and ongoing recruitment drives to support fleet expansion.

Prabhakar emphasized the historical significance of RTC workers’ struggles, noting, “The fight of RTC employees was crucial in the formation of Telangana. We value their contributions and are working to strengthen the corporation.”

He reiterated the government’s positive stance, stating, “We are ready to discuss all issues through dialogue,” and promised continued support for both active and retired employees’ welfare.

Criticism of BRS government

In a scathing critique, Prabhakar accused the previous BRS government of driving RTC into financial distress during its 10-year tenure. He alleged that the BRS “tried to kill RTC” by mismanaging funds and failing to fulfill promises made to employees. “For 10 years, RTC was neglected, and workers’ demands were ignored. The BRS used Rs 4,000 crore of workers’ PF and CCS funds, leaving the corporation in debt,” he claimed.

The minister pointed out that the BRS government’s last-minute merger proposal in 2023 was incomplete, covering only employees and excluding RTC’s substantial assets, which created loopholes that the current government is now addressing.

Progress under Congress government!

To underscore the Congress government’s efforts, Prabhakar highlighted key achievements since taking office in December 2023. He noted that the government has cleared Rs 80 crore of outstanding bonds pending since 2013 and paid Rs 2,200 crore to TGSRTC under the Mahalakshmi scheme, which has facilitated free bus travel for 70 crore women passengers.

“The bus occupancy rate has risen to 95%, and operational losses are decreasing,” he stated.