TSRTC staff goes on mass hunger strike

Dharna Chowk: The TSRTC Employees Union (EU) organised a mass hunger strike programme demanding that the State government address various issues and the merger of RTC in government at the dharna chowk here on Friday. President of EU S Babu, general secretary of the union Raji Reddy and large number of RTC employees participated in the hunger strike.

Speaking on the occasion, Raji Reddy demanded the State Transport Minister to respond to their issues. "It is unfortunate that the Minister who does not give appointments to employees to discuss their issues is in the state of Telangana which was formed after an intense agitation," he said.

Expressing his concern over the mismanagement of TSRTC, Raji Reddy questioned as to why the government has not appointed a Managing Director on a permanent basis till now. Absence of a permanent MD has resulted in the failure of administration, he said. Stating that rising diesel prices have imposed an additional burden of up to Rs 65 crore on the TSRTC, he demanded that the state government bear the additional burden to save RTC from losses.

He also demanded a tax holiday on all motor vehicle taxes for four years in order to save the RTC. He demanded the state government to remove the rental buses and purchase new vehicles.

The hunger strike continued up to 5 pm and union leaders submitted a memorandum to government officials. Vice-president of EU CH Narsaiah, deputy general secretary Venkanna, union leader Ahmed Ali, state secretaries Gopal, Kalidas, Ram Reddy, Jakaraiah, president of Greater Hyderabad EU Mallesh, union members from various depots across the state and others participated in the hunger strike.