TSRTC Privatisation: What About The Fate Of Other 23,000 Workers, Asks JAC

Hyderabad: A day after Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) set November 5 as the deadline for TSRTC workers to give up their stir and join duty, the employees' unions on Sunday insisted that the Telangana government first hold talks to resolve the issue.

With the indefinite strike over a slew of demands entering the 30th day, TSRTC-JAC leader Ashwathama Reddy said the Chief Minister could not instill confidence among workers, rather he was "trying to provoke" them.

KCR had on Saturday said the state cabinet decided to allot 5,100 of 10,400 routes to private operators and warned that the other routes would also be given to them if those on strike don't join duty by the midnight of November 5.

"If 5,100 routes are privatised, then 27,000 staff are required. Why did he (KCR) not talk about the remaining 23,000 staff? What will be the future of those 23,000 people? If the number of depots is halved from 90 to 45, what will be the fate of depot managers?" Reddy asked. Expressing willingness to wind up the unions if their demands were conceded, Reddy said, "first discuss on demands should be held."

In a related development, Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar on Sunday appealed to all RTC employees who are willing to join duty that their safety and security would be taken care of. Adequate security has been provided to all depots, he said and warned of action against anyone who takes law into their hands. (PTI)

Also Read: KCR’s Deadline Not a Deterrent, TSRTC Strike To Continue: JAC Leaders