Hyderabad: RTC staff take out half-naked protests

Hyderabad: The TSRTC workers continued their strike which entered 12th day on Wednesday and as part of their fight against the government, workers gathered near bus depots and continued with different kind of protests.

Some of the striking employees tonsured their heads near Musheerabad depot as part of their stir against the government. They raised slogans and stated that safeguarding public transport was their goal and it would be possible by merger with the government.

The RTC workers staged a sit-in protest in front of the bus depot at Cantonment here. The Warangal region of RTC JAC held a half-naked protest rally in Hanmakonda on Wednesday.

Several workers, who were shirtless, took out a rally demanding that the government fulfil their justified demands.

Meanwhile, RTC JAC leaders held a meeting with TJS chief M Kodandaram and Left leaders Chada Venkat Reddy (CPI) and Tammineni Veerabhadram (CPI-M) in view of the decision to intensify their stir.

Kodandaram said RTC leaders shared elaborate details about the High Court proceedings on the strike and sought suggestions from legal experts on what they could do.

Also, discussions were held on October 19 bandh call, which all opposition parties already resolved to make it a big success. The RTC leaders shared details on what they intend to do in State capital and districts on bandh day.

Also, the meeting agreed with the Court's view that the government should immediately hold talks with RTC workers to find a solution to the problem.

Private conductors to be given TIMs

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar held a teleconference with senior officials of the department, RTOs and all depot managers and division managers in the State. He instructed the officials to ensure private conductors carry Ticket Issuing Machines (TIMs). This will address the complaints of fleecing of tickets from passengers travelling during the ongoing strike.

They discussed the restoration of 100 percent bus services, call on which to be taken by the District Collector. The meeting also decided to appoint nodal officers for each depot to review activities on a daily basis.