RTC staff to stage protests across state on July 4 & 5
The Andhra Pradesh Public Transport Department (APPTD) Employees' Union announced on Tuesday that it will stage statewide protests and conduct gate meetings at all 129 RTC depots on July 4 and 5.
These demonstrations are a protest against the government's and RTC management's inaction in resolving their pending problems. RTC employees plan to wear red badges at the depots to express their discontent.
The decision came during the APPTD state executive body meeting here, where the union discussed its long-standing grievances. The union's state meeting urged the government to immediately resolve critical issues affecting thousands of RTC employees across the state.
Union leaders submitted a representation to APPTD commissioner and APSRTC vice-chairman and managing director Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, detailing their demands and asking the RTC management to address them.
APPTD Employees' Union president Palisetty Damodara Rao and general secretary G V Narasaiah raised several key demands. They stated that 3,000 RTC employees have been waiting for promotions for over six years and urged the RTC management to secure approval from the state government to grant these promotions.
They also pressed the RTC to obtain government approval to recruit 10,000 new staff in the APSRTC and to purchase new buses. This recruitment and fleet expansion, they noted, are essential to support the implementation of the free travel facility for women from August 15, 2025, onwards.
The union has also sought release of pending DA arrears and 11th PRC arrears, and immediate settlement of retirement benefits for employees, including the immediate disbursement of gratuity and leave encashment to retired personnel.
Furthermore, they demanded that the RTC management implement the Retired Employees Medical Scheme (REMS) according to guidelines issued by the CEO of NTR Vaidya Vidhana Parishat Trust.
They also insisted that the RTC procure electric buses directly and hand them over to APSRTC, thereby avoiding the leasing of depots to private operators. Finally, the union urged the RTC to train existing RTC staff to operate new electric buses, restore referral hospital-based medical services under the old system, offer alternative posts to medically unfit employees, and implement pending compassionate appointments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Farmland on paper, shopping complex in reality?
Pic: Sai Complex in Kushtagi, which is alleged to be an illegal structure Kushtagi (Koppal): A formal grievance was registered with Koppal's deputy commissioner regarding an unlawfully constructed commercial complex on 27 guntas of revenue land in the town. The property at survey number 51/2, which includes the Kushtagi bus stand, comprises 13 guntas of land, and the ownership is divided between Siddamma Fakirappa Pattanashetty (13 guntas) and Rajeshwari Siddanna Pattanashetty (14 guntas). The primary concern raised in the complaint pertains to 'Sai Complex', a commercial establishment constructed on this land approximately ten years ago. The complex houses over 25 business establishments, including banks, bars, restaurants, and hotels. "Even though it is clear that the taxes owed to the govt are not being settled, the inaction of the appropriate authorities regarding this commercial complex, constructed in breach of all regulations, has led to suspicions," states complainant Parashuram Nagaral. "This shopping complex was constructed without converting the revenue land to non-agricultural (NA) purposes and without acquiring the necessary construction permissions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo I found it necessary to file a complaint due to the wilful negligence exhibited by the officials of the municipality, the town and country planning department, and other associated departments," he states. RTC records continue to classify this land as revenue land, despite the complex's existence for a decade. Parashuram Nagaral submitted documentation alongside his complaint to the deputy commissioner, requesting action against this unauthorised structure. Siddanna Pattanshetty, the complex owner, refuted these claims. "The complex was built officially, and I have all the documents related to it. However, some people are following the blackmail tactic, and this complaint is full of lies," he said. Kushtagi municipality chief officer VI Bilagi said: "The documents of the said commercial complex property will be checked and necessary action will be taken." The complainant, Parashuram Nagaral, states that this serves as proof of the officials' involvement in illegal activities. According to the information he received under the Right To Information Act, the assistant director of the town planning department stated, "Our office has not approved any layout for the land in survey number 51/2." Municipality official VI Bilagi claimed that no building permit was issued for Sai Complex, and the land remains unconverted. However, Siddanna Pattanshetty, owner of the complex, possesses documentation showing the municipality's chief officer having issued a building permit on July 31, 2012, raising additional questions. The matter now rests with the deputy commissioner, whose response is awaited.
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- New Indian Express
Telangana govt celebrates as free rides touch 200-crore mark
HYDERABAD: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday said that the state government has been promptly reimbursing the money to RTC for 'zero tickets' it has been issuing to women travellers under the under Mahalakshmi scheme. During a ceremony held at the MGBS to celebrate 200 crore free bus rides recorded under the scheme, the deputy CM felicitated women beneficiaries who have been availing the free bus service. He also felicitated the RTC representatives for successfully implementing the scheme. In a symbolic gesture, a Rs 6,680 crore cheque, representing the 'collective savings' of women commuters through the scheme, was presented by the government to the RTC senior officials. Vikramarka stated that the government was reimbursing RTC for all 'zero tickets' issued under the Mahalakshmi scheme, which in turn is strengthening the financial health of the corporation. He revealed that 2,400 new buses were procured since the Congress formed the government in the state. He said that RTC would soon add 2,800 electric buses to its fleet. Currently, 11% of the buses are electric, he said. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar lauded the efforts of RTC staff in the effective execution of the Mahalakshmi scheme. He said that the scheme has become an integral part of women's daily lives. He said that celebrations were held across 97 depots and 324 bus stations. Roads & Buildings Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy said that in order to strengthen public transport, the government would soon begin construction of new roads, connecting every village to the mandal headquarters and mandals to district headquarters. He said that the free bus travel facility has not only helped women save on travel expenses but also benefitted the RTC. RTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar said that the Mahalakshmi scheme was currently being implemented in 7,913 buses, with an average of 35 lakh women commuters travelling daily under the scheme. He said that the occupancy ratio, which was 69% before the scheme, increased to 97% now.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Hans India
Mahalakshmi scheme empowered women, avers Bhatti
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced on Wednesday that the government has consistently reimbursed the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) for zero-fare tickets issued under the popular Mahalakshmi scheme, an initiative he stated is significantly bolstering the Corporation's financial health. During celebrations marking the issuance of 200 crore zero tickets, the Minister formally presented a cheque for Rs 6,680 crore to the Corporation. The grand celebrations took place on Wednesday at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Komatireddy Venkat Reddy. Together, they felicitated women utilising the Mahalakshmi free bus travel facility and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of the RTC staff. Bhatti Vikramarka further announced that since the current government took office, the Corporation has acquired 2,400 new buses. He emphasised that TGSRTC is actively pursuing the procurement of an additional 2,800 electric buses, a move aimed at transforming Hyderabad into a pollution-free city. He highlighted that electric buses already constitute 11 per cent of the existing fleet. The Deputy Chief Minister also underscored that the scheme not only provides free travel but has also empowered women by facilitating their involvement as bus owners. He assured comprehensive government support for the RTC. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar extended his congratulations to the RTC staff for the successful implementation of the Mahalakshmi scheme, noting its deep integration into the daily lives of women across the state. To commemorate women completing 200 crore journeys, he announced that grand celebrations are planned across 97 depots and 324 bus stations statewide. Prabhakar also stressed that TGSRTC is prioritising improved transport facilities for passengers and enhancing the welfare of its employees. Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy reiterated that the free bus travel initiative will not only reduce travel costs for women but will also yield significant advantages for the RTC. TGSRTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar announced that the Mahalakshmi scheme is currently operational across 7,913 buses, with an impressive average of 3.5 million women utilising these services daily. He highlighted a remarkable surge in the occupancy ratio (OR), which has risen from 69% prior to the scheme's launch to an impressive 97%. Sajjanar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the RTC staff for their pivotal role in the scheme's successful implementation. Special Principal Secretary of the Transport Department Vikas Raj, Hyderabad Collector Dasari Harichandan, RTC Executive Directors Munishekhar, Khusroshah Khan, Rajasekhar, Venkanna, and Finance Advisor Vijayapushfa were also in attendance.
