Telangana RTC workers stage peaceful ‘Chalo Secretariat’ protest in Hyderabad

Telangana RTC workers, under JAC, staged a peaceful ‘Chalo Secretariat’ protest at Dharna Chowk, Hyderabad, demanding fulfillment of election promises, including employee merger into the State government and pending dues, while police maintained tight security at the site.

Hyderabad: Telangana RTC workers under the banner of Joint Action Committee (JAC) staged a peaceful protest at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park on Tuesday, as part of their ‘Chalo Secretariat’ call demanding the Congress government fulfill the assurances made to them in its election manifesto.

Hundreds of workers from various depots across the State gathered at Dharna Chowk in the morning, raising slogans and holding placards highlighting their key demands. The JAC leaders stated that the agitation was aimed at protecting RTC as an organisation and safeguarding the rights, dignity and livelihoods of employees. They described the protest as a fight for self-respect and survival, urging the government not to ignore the concerns of thousands of families dependent on the corporation.

Union representatives reiterated that the demonstration was being conducted in a peaceful and Gandhian manner. They appealed to the State government and the police department not to obstruct their democratic right to protest.

The JAC stressed its demand for implementation of long-pending merger of RTC employees into the State government. They pointed out that the previous government had passed a resolution in the State Assembly and issued a gazette notification after receiving the Governor’s approval, but the ‘appointed day’ has not yet been announced. They also alleged that several dues and financial benefits remain pending.

The unions further expressed disappointment that the Congress government has not acted on its promise to restore workers’ unions in the RTC. Meanwhile, police maintained tight security in and around the protest spot and key government offices in the city.