Both govt, unions to be blamed for RTC mess

Both the state government and TSRTC unions are responsible for the continuation of strike which has hit the common man and daily wage earners very badly.

This apart, loss of few lives of RTC employees due to non-receipt of salaries and fear of losing the job has cast a big gloom over the family of the breadwinners.

It is a sad commentary that both government and unions are adamant with none appear to have taken tangible steps so far to end the impasse. Even the intervention of High Court, the only hope people were looking forward and expecting that buses will be on the roads were belied due to silence maintained by the state government.

As Telangana remains on the edge with no solution in sight, the Bandh called for on Saturday by the unions with support from all modes of transport operators will in all probability bring normalcy life in the state including the capital to a grinding halt.

Already the skeleton services run by RTC engaging temporary drivers and conductors threw life out of gear for a fortnight, it is unfortunate that neither the state government nor the unions have deemed it fit to resolve the deadlock despite transport like electricity and water are essential for survival.

It is a shame on the part of the government that it is unmoved despite the High Court's appeal to engage in talks with unions and come out with a plan to redress the grievances of the employees.

Due to failure of government, the court bypassing the state and asking the RTC management to have talks with unions should serve a bitter lesson to the government that its actions from day one is not only antagonistic but brinkmanship which is totally unacceptable in a democracy.

It is agreed that figures tell that corporation debts are mounting and if left unchecked may in due course of time turn an unmanageable white elephant. But keeping silent and allowing its counsel to give inept replies in the court only means to aggravate the situation is incorrect.

This despite the bench pointing out that Supreme Court encourages "Out of court settlement" and other methods for an amicable solution. At least now the government should see wisdom and climb down to address the just demands of the unions instead of turning them away.

Keeping the above in view and also taking into account the immense sufferings of people during Dasara, it is imperative that Chief Minister directly intervene to end the impasse before Diwali in the overall interest of the state and millions of people who solely depend on public transport daily for their movements in order to eke out thier livelihood.

K R Srinivasan, Secunderabad