CM KCR agrees for 16 pc interim relief, RTC calls off strike

The TSRTC unions on Sunday called off their proposed strike from Monday following an agreement reached with the State government which announced an interim relief of 16 per cent to be paid from July 1 this year.

Minutes after the assurance, Telangana Mazdoor Union (TMU) leader Ashwathama Reddy announced withdrawal of the bus strike, saving coffers of Rs 4-crore loss every day.

TSRTC buses transport at least one crore people a day, including over 35 lakh in Greater Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy district.

CM KCR proved a deft crisis manager by climbing down from his stand to invoke ESMA against TSRTC employees and union leaders, and agreeing to provide interim relief. The 16 per cent interim relief from July 1 will scrape coffers of Rs 200 crore a year. KCR also conceded to other demands, but with a rider that unions should cooperate in implementing reforms to put RTC back on



profit.

The government will constitute a high-level committee to study and recommend reforms, measures to overcome its Rs 3,000 crore losses-cum-debt and improve efficiency. “RTC may be split into four corporations on lines of Karnataka RTC model,” an official said.

Telangana Mazdoor Union leader E Aswathama Reddy, who was also present at the press conference, thanked the Chief Minister for taking steps to resolve RTC workers’ demands. He promised that on their part, the RTC employees will work hard to improve services and reduce losses of the TSRTC.

Cabinet sub-committee members, including Etela Rajender, T Harish Rao, K T Rama Rao, P Mahender Reddy and G Jagadish Reddy addressed reporters at Finance Minister Rajender’s residence on the government decisions and future plans to ensure RTC’s strengthening and survival.