Govt committed to resolving RTC workers’ issues: Labour Minister

Hyderabad: Mines and Labour Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy on Wednesday said the Telangana government was committed to resolving the legitimate issues of RTC employees and protecting their rights and welfare.

Addressing an RTC workers’ get-together at Nagole, Vivek said worker welfare and organisational growth must go hand in hand. “Justice for workers boosts productivity and improves organisational performance”, he added.

Recalling his association with RTC services, Vivek said he had travelled on Route No.137 from Chikkadpally during his medical college days and had personally witnessed the difficulties faced by drivers and conductors. He recalled visiting several depots during the 2019 RTC strike along with TSRTC leader E. Ashwathama Reddy and extending support to workers, including those in the Peddapalli Parliamentary constituency. The Minister said the Congress government had taken several steps to strengthen the RTC and improve employee welfare. He said 4,584 new jobs had been filled, while steps had also been taken to fill 2,000 posts through compassionate appointments.

On this occasion, Vivek appreciated RTC drivers, conductors and other staff for their role in implementing the “Mahalakshmi” scheme, which provides free bus travel to women across Telangana. He said the government had initiated steps to clear outstanding dues, including Provident Fund arrears payable to RTC employees.

On RTC union elections, Vivek said the government would honour its earlier commitment to hold the elections and take steps to complete the electoral process expeditiously.

He urged RTC employees to support leaders who consistently raise workers’ issues. “Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and I will work together to resolve the issues faced by RTC employees”, he said, assuring workers that the government remained accessible to address their legitimate demands.

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