Youth rush to depots for temporary jobs

Hyderabad: The ongoing RTC strikes which started on October 5 had its effect across the state and city, as most of the RTC buses were off roads.

However, to counter the absence of 49,000 employees, the government hired private drivers and conductors to keep the buses running and not affecting the citizens. The government paid Rs 1,500 to drivers and Rs 1,000 to conductors on a daily work basis.

Seeking the opportunity to chip in some extra cash, many unemployed youth including undergraduates of ages between 18 and 20 enrolled enroll their names for the temporary job of conductor.

While the drivers were hired after they had to go through a driving test, the conductors had a favorable hand as the depot only enrolled those who had their 10th standard memo.

Krishna Murthy, Depot Manager, Cantonment Depot, said, "Everyday around 60 people are coming to enroll their names for the jobs, out of which 30 are undergrads of ages from 18 to 20 years. This is a good opportunity for them to earn some money during the festive vacations." The Cantonment Depot is sending around 60 to 70 conductors and drivers across all the depots in the city every day.

While the city buses attracted a lot of undergrads, the district buses only attracted a few. S Praneeth, Depot Manager, Jubilee Bus Stand, said the depot witnesses around 10 to 15 undergrads (19 to 20 years of age) who come to enroll for job of conductor every day. Their only intention: Cash in on the opportunity and rake in some extra money."