Talks stretch late as TGSRTC employees, government discuss key demands

Talks between the TGSRTC JAC and the Telangana government continued late into Friday over the ongoing strike. While the government has reportedly agreed to 29 of 32 demands, discussions are still on key issues including RTC merger, PRC implementation and union elections

Hyderabad: Talks between the TGSRTC Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the State government continued till late on Friday with RTC employees pressing for the fulfilment of their demands.

The TGSRTC JAC launched an indefinite strike on April 22 in support of their 32 demands, including the merger of RTC with the government. The employees are also learnt to have pressed for implementation of the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) of 2021 and 2025.

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Accordingly, the State government commenced talks with the representatives of TGSRTC JAC at Secretariat. Initially, a team of senior IAS officers held a meeting with the employees in the morning. This was followed with another meeting by Ministers led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, Labour Minister G Vivek Venkat Swamy and SC and ST Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman participated in the talks.

Due to the ongoing Budget session, delimitation of constituencies, Women’s Reservation Bill and elections in other States, the Cabinet Ministers were busy, the Deputy Chief Minister said. “At this juncture, due to the TGSRTC JAC’s sudden decision, an RTC employee lost his life. This is unfortunate and an irreparable loss to his family,” Bhatti Vikramarka said.

Of the 32 demands being pressed by the employees, the government has agreed to 29. The talks were being held on three key demands, including merger of RTC, PRC implementation and union elections, sources said.