Meet & settle : High Court orders govt to invite RTC employees for talks by 10.30 am today

Hyderabad: Taking serious note of the manner in which the State Government has ignored its advice a few days back to call the striking RTC employees for talks, the Telangana High Court on Friday directed the government to convene a meeting with employees by 10.30 am on Saturday, wind up deliberations in three days and report back to it on the progress on October 28.

The HC questioned the government as to why it did not appoint a managing director for the TSRTC. The government cited poor financial health of the corporation as reason and said that the present in charge MD was doing a good job.

The High Court then questioned the counsel for the government that if that was the case what prevents the government from making him a full-time MD.

The counsel for the government informed the court that the demands of the unions had severe financial implications and under present poor financial conditions it would not be able to meet them.

He also submitted a report on the financial status. At this point, the division bench said that out of 26 demands 20 do not have any financial implications.

The Court observed that the government should play 'fatherly' role. It should understand that people are supreme in the state.

The judges warned the state government will face public wrath like people revolted against dictatorial rule in Philippines if the victims are suppressed from enjoying their rights.

The Court also took serious note of the closure of educational institutions during the RTC stir. The government advocates explained the alternative arrangements made for public transportation after 48,000 RTC workers had gone on strike in the state.

Counsel from RTC JAC informed the court that the merger of RTC with the government was proposed in 2013 and the demand was still pending. The TS government did not take any measures towards the merger for the last 6 years.